Angry Ayariga wants Ga East MCE dismissed for destroying illegal structures

The leader and founder of the All People’s Congress (APC), Mr Hassan Ayariga has expressed anger at the Ga East Municipal Chief Executive Officer, Janet Tulasi Mensah for her role in the demolition of some houses and other structures in the municipality deemed illegal.

Hassan Ayariga who property, a fence wall was among the structures demolished has consequently called for the dismissal of the MCE.

At a press conference in Accra on Thursday, Mr Ayariga asked the Defence Minister, Dominic Nitiwul to investigate and call to book all the military personnel who were deployed to harass and intimidate landlords during the demolition.

“We are also calling on the interior Minister, Ambrose Dery to sanction policemen who were also used as land guards in that exercise too. We are also calling for the immediate dissolution of the current Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) and a formation of an independent minded members who have qualified experience to manage security matters without being biased,” Mr Ayariga said.

Demolition

Mr Hassan Ayariga noted that on Saturday, August 25, 2018, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Janet Tulasi Mensah, without obtaining a valid court order to demolish private property, led military and police personnel to demolish certain private properties of innocent Ghanaians in the municipality, including one belonging to him.

“She was supported by Capt Yaw Adu Adjei of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) who organized over 30 military personnel while the Municipal Security Council also mobilized over 40 personnel of the Ghana Police Service.

“The exercise, which started at dawn on Saturday, at 3am involved the razing down of Ayariga’s two and half acres fence wall of 12 feet high, a foundation of a security post and houses including structures of many innocent citizens. All these happened under the watchful eyes of the MCE Janet Mensah, the Municipal Coordinating Director, Mr Joshua Adams Asihene and members of the Municipal Security Council (MUSEC)”.

Abuse of Security Agencies

The APC Founder said the security agencies in helping the diabolic plots of the MCE and her sponsors resorted to gross abuse of power, adding that they have used excessive force against workers; the landlords and ladies on the site without provocation.

The situation, he said was unbecoming in a democratic state like Ghana and that the president must act immediately since the forces he commands are being used as land guards to chase the very civilians they are to protect.

“This is unacceptable. The Inspector General of Police must immediately control how irresponsible political office holders use our policemen.

“The heavy joint military men and police team present beat up and threatened to kill anyone who took pictures or interfered with the exercise. MUSEC and the MCE abused their mandate, and used the army and the police to terrorize citizens who have legally acquired their properties and lands.

Abuse of Power and Witch Hunting

The manner of demolition, Mr Hassan Ayariga said carried out by the assembly under the supervision of the MCE was a clear abuse of political power and witch hunting.

“The MCE is not on top of issues in her jurisdiction. What crime have citizens who bought parcels of land to put up residences to secure themselves commit? Who compensates us? This is very strange”.

He indicated that there were no reasons or Pre notices given to the affected people and Dr. Hassan Ayariga by Janet Mensah or the assembly.

Selective Demolition

“Janet Mensah carried out a selective demolition exercise, saying that some lands were protocol lands,” he said.

The Assembly did nothing about this illegalities but found it convenient to come and demolish targeted properties. The actions of the Assembly in this matter amounts to lawlessness and corruption. There is complete ignorance in their way of going about these issues. The Municipal Security Council has lost intelligence in dealing with the issues. Our homes have been destroyed with unbelievable wickedness. Law abiding citizens properties were demolished despite all documents covering the projects being intact.

Violation of the Constitution

“Janet Mensah has abused her powers and her outfit. She, including the coordinating Director, Mr. Adams have disgraced the Municipal Assembly. The behaviour of Tulasi Mensah is a clear violation of the mandate and constitution of the Assembly. We can’t be intimidated by the people in power. The President of the republic is a law abiding citizen and should not allow any of his appointees or party members to tarnish his government or use their office for witch hunting or personal gains,” he said.