Former Greater Accra Regional Minister Titus Glover has raised concerns about the government’s demolition of several structures within the Laboma enclave of the Kpeshie Lagoon, warning that the exercise could have serious economic and social consequences.
According to the former minister, demolishing structures and resorts along Laboma Beach could lead to job losses and undermine years of investment by private individuals and businesses in the area.
The demolitions were carried out on Sunday, September 13, as part of efforts by the government and relevant authorities to tackle flooding and reclaim waterways in parts of the Greater Accra Region.
However, Titus Glover believes the government could have considered other technical interventions before resorting to demolition, particularly in cases where substantial investments have been made, and livelihoods depend on the affected businesses.
The former Greater Accra Regional Minister urged the government to approach the exercise with consideration for the people whose businesses and livelihoods could be affected.
“Let’s look at these things with a human face. Government cannot provide jobs. There are a lot of people who are asking for jobs. They are knocking on the doors of politicians every day. Look at the youth and the number of graduates who are churned out every year.
“They can’t find space in government jobs, and so if people have invested in these things, and so if the only thing we can do is to demolish, we have a problem.
“I will support the government where people have deliberately built on waterways.”
