Keta Youth Association refutes involvement in demolition incident

The Keta Youth Association (KeYA) has refuted media reports alleging that youth from Keta were involved in the demolition of an uncompleted building belonging to the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Keta, Emmanuel Gemegah.  

Speaking to the Daily Graphic last Thursday, a spokesperson of the association, Benard Worlali Awumee, categorically denied the claims and provided clarity on the incident, which occurred on the morning of Sunday, December 29, 2024, in Keta Central and Adzido (Aflasco).  

“No youth or resident of Keta was involved in the demolition. Contrary to media reports, whatever happened on Sunday morning has nothing to do with the youth of Keta as claimed by some media reports,” he said.  

Sequence of events

According to the association, the demolition exercise was orchestrated by external actors and carried out using two heavy-duty machines .

The association stated that a claimnant to the ownership of the Kedzi to Keta reclaimed land enclave led the destruction.  

The association revealed that approximately 20 structures were affected during the exercise, including the building believed to belong to  Mr Gemegah.  

The youth of Keta intervened to halt further destruction of properties,” he added, highlighting that they successfully apprehended one of the machine operators and the leader of the operation and later handed them over to the police.  

Accurate Reporting  

KeYA condemned the reports linking Keta youth to the demolition, describing them as “false and misleading.” The association urged media outlets to verify their facts before publication.  

“Residents of Keta Central, and by extension, the youth, are law-abiding citizens who uphold the principles of legality and justice and would not take the law into their own hands,” he emphasised.  

Land Dispute Context  

While acknowledging ongoing concerns regarding land grabbing and irregularities surrounding the Keta Sea Defence reclaimed lands, the association reaffirmed its commitment to due process and adherence to Ghana’s legal mechanisms.  

“We strongly condemn any unauthorised and unlawful demolition of structures on the Keta reclaimed land. Our thoughts are with the affected individuals, and we urge all residents of Anloland, the Keta Municipality, and Keta Central to remain calm as we cooperate with the relevant law enforcement agencies to investigate this incident thoroughly.”   

Peace and Justice  

Mr Awumee, appealed to residents to work together to ensure peace and justice prevail.  

“Together, let us work toward ensuring peace and justice prevail,” he said.