By Amoako Kwame
Five individuals have been arrested and remanded into police custody in connection with the alleged destruction of an NDC office complex under construction in Ellembelle in the Western Region
The incident, which reportedly took place in the early hours of May 7, involved armed men wielding guns and machetes who allegedly tore down sections of the building, estimated to be worth about GH¢1 million.
Speaking to Citi News, the National Democratic Congress Constituency Communications Officer, Kwesi Hanson, stated that the party remains determined and will proceed with the construction of the office complex.
“We have mobilised the contractors to come on site following the incident. We have to organise some materials for the construction. Investigations are still ongoing, so we are anticipating that by the time they are done, we will have a full report on whatever transpired and who these people were,” he said.
Meanwhile, the District Chief Executive for Ellembelle, Joseph Armah Agyekum, has condemned the incident, describing the act as unlawful and unacceptable.
He emphasised that no person or group has the authority to demolish any structure unless it is done through legal procedures approved by the courts or the District Security Council (DISEC), which he chairs.
Joseph Armah Agyekum stated that the case was first brought before the court but was subsequently withdrawn to allow for resolution through an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process.
He explained that, in an effort to avoid a lengthy legal battle, the National Democratic Congress agreed to make payment for the land and also accepted conditions proposed by the royal family, including providing jobs for local youth on the project, contributing to the construction of a palace, and paying annual royalties.
The District Chief Executive, Joseph Armah Agyekum, alleged that after a Memorandum of Understanding had been signed, the royal family made an additional request for the National Democratic Congress and the Member of Parliament to support the gazetting of King Kaku Aka III as the Overlord of Nzema land.
According to him, that demand was beyond the mandate of both the party and the MP. He also claimed that the structure had come under attack on several occasions since construction began.
