The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Ashaiman, Freeman Tsekpo, has dismissed accusations that the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly is unlawfully evicting members of the Peaceful Settlement Association, clarifying that the ongoing activity is a decongestion exercise—not a land seizure or demolition
This clarification comes after over 100 traders from the association staged a protest, alleging that the Assembly was attempting to take over land they claim to legally own, despite a court injunction. The traders further alleged the land was being reallocated to a private developer, asserting that they possess valid documentation proving ownership.
Mr. Tsekpo explained that the Assembly’s actions have been misunderstood.
“The Assembly is not demolishing any site under litigation,” he said. “This is purely a decongestion exercise. There’s a clear difference between decongestion and demolishing structures on disputed land.”
He emphasized that the decongestion effort is focused solely on clearing illegally occupied public spaces such as roads, pavements, and medians, to improve movement and ensure public safety.
“We have traders operating dangerously close to roadways—on medians, pavements, and road reservations. These encroachments create congestion and pose safety risks,” Mr. Tsekpo said.
Addressing the concerns of the Peaceful Settlement Association specifically, the MCE noted that while the group owns land adjacent to the road, some of its members had extended their operations into public spaces by placing containers and displaying goods on the pavement.
“They are within the curve and display their wares so close to the road that pedestrians are forced to walk on the street, which is highly unsafe,” he stated.
Mr. Tsekpo concluded that the exercise is meant to restore order and protect lives, not to infringe on anyone’s legally acquired property.
“Thankfully, the road is now fully motorable. Resistance to this decongestion could compromise public safety. We want to be clear—this is not about taking anyone’s land but ensuring our public spaces remain safe and accessible.”
