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The government has initiated discussions on how to tackle encroachment on the 80-acre land reclaimed from the Agbogbloshie scrapyard and onion market in the Greater Accra Region.
A report on the issue has been submitted to the Office of the President, with ongoing consultations to determine the best course of action.
Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, disclosed this development to Daily Graphic, stating, “Last week, there was a stakeholder meeting between President John Dramani Mahama and the leadership of Agbogbloshie. They are still in consultation, and whatever decision is reached will be communicated through the media.”
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Her remarks followed her first meeting with top officials of the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC) on Monday.
The Agbogbloshie scrapyard, notorious for the open burning of electronic waste, was demolished on July 1, 2021, as part of the Let’s Make Accra Work initiative led by former Regional Minister Henry Quartey.
Approximately 10,000 scrap dealers were displaced, and the 20-acre land was walled off, with 15 acres designated for the construction of the Ablekuma Central Municipal Hospital under the Agenda 111 project.
However, four years later, the reclaimed land is under siege.
Reports indicate that more than 100 wooden structures have been erected on the site, with scrap dealers breaking through protective walls to gain access.
A Daily Graphic surveillance of the area found that parts of the wall had been destroyed, allowing the return of informal settlers.
Residents of Old Fadama, a neighbouring slum, have expressed fears over the return of the scrap dealers, citing health hazards from air pollution due to e-waste burning.
“If the scrap dealers are allowed to return, air pollution will worsen. We are already struggling, and bringing them back will only make it worse,” lamented Stephen Gyagri, a resident.
A teacher at a private school in the area, who spoke anonymously, also warned that the scrapyard’s revival could increase child labour and school absenteeism.
“When the scrapyard was active, some of our students skipped school to work there. After the demolition, they stayed in class. If it’s revived, we’ll lose them again,” the teacher noted.
As discussions continue, government authorities are expected to announce a decision on how to permanently secure the reclaimed land while addressing the concerns of all stakeholders.
Source: Graphic.com.gh
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