In defiance of official warnings, residents of the ECOMOG slum settlement near the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange in Greater Accra have begun the process of rebuilding their homes, which were devastated by a massive fire on June 5. The fire caused widespread destruction, displacing scores of people and leaving many scrambling for their unburnt belongings. Despite
The post Aftermath of fire outbreak: Settlers at ECOMOG in Accra begin rebuilding despite GAR Minister’s warning first appeared on 3News.
In defiance of official warnings, residents of the ECOMOG slum settlement near the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange in Greater Accra have begun the process of rebuilding their homes, which were devastated by a massive fire on June 5.
The fire caused widespread destruction, displacing scores of people and leaving many scrambling for their unburnt belongings.
Despite a stern warning from Greater Accra Regional Minister, Nii Kwartei Titus Glover, who visited the site shortly after the fire and cautioned against reconstruction, settlers have started marking out their plots using charcoal.
Charcoal markings on the ground
This activity signals their determination to reclaim and rebuild their homes, even amidst concerns about safety and regulatory compliance.
Walking through the charred remains of what was once a bustling community, one can now see lines of charcoal delineating individual plots of land. These lines represent not just the physical space the residents aim to reclaim, but also their resilience and hope that earlier warnings from the minister will not attract sanctions.
“You could see on the ground that they have demarcated with charcoal, the strong ones amongst them have taken over the land and giving it out.” Titus Glover said.
Titus Glover
Greater Accra Regional Minister Titus Glover’s warning against rebuilding was primarily driven by concerns over safety.
He added “GRIDCO appealed to me that we protect their pylons for them. These are national assets we can’t joke with it. The slightest error the whole of Accra will go off. Hence you guys should leave.”
According to him the military will forcefully evict them should they return.
The situation at ECOMOG highlights the ongoing challenges faced by informal settlements in Accra.
While the residents’ immediate focus is on rebuilding, there is a broader need for a sustainable solution that addresses both the safety concerns, and the housing needs of the population.
By Noble Crosby Annan
The post Aftermath of fire outbreak: Settlers at ECOMOG in Accra begin rebuilding despite GAR Minister’s warning first appeared on 3News.
