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Five individuals have been arrested and remanded into police custody following the alleged destruction of an office complex being constructed for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region.
The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of May 7, when a group of armed men allegedly carrying guns and machetes demolished parts of the building project, which is estimated to cost about GH¢1 million.
Speaking to Citi News, the NDC Constituency Communications Officer, Kwesi Hanson, stated that despite the incident, the party remains determined to continue construction works on the facility.
He disclosed that contractors had already been mobilised back to the site while investigations into the matter continue.
Meanwhile, the District Chief Executive for Ellembelle, Joseph Armah Agyekum, strongly condemned the demolition, describing the action as unlawful and unacceptable.
According to him, no individual or group has the authority to pull down any structure unless the action is approved through lawful procedures by the courts or the District Security Council (DISEC), which he chairs.
The DCE explained that the disputed land was reportedly acquired in 2017 by the Member of Parliament for Ellembelle, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, from the late chief Nana Boadi at a reported cost of GH¢20,000 per plot.
However, following the chief’s death, the Awiaso royal family reportedly challenged the validity of the transaction, arguing that ownership of the land had not been properly transferred.
Mr. Agyekum said the dispute was initially taken to court but was later withdrawn for settlement through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
He further explained that as part of efforts to avoid prolonged legal proceedings, the NDC agreed to repay for the land and accepted several conditions from the royal family, including providing jobs for local youth on the project, supporting palace construction and paying annual royalties.
According to the DCE, tensions resurfaced after the royal family allegedly demanded that the NDC and the MP facilitate the gazetting of King Kaku Aka III as Overlord of Nzema land — a request he said falls outside the authority of both the party and the legislator.
He also claimed the project site had faced previous attacks since construction began.
Source: citinews
