Former Board Chairman of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), Paul Adom-Otchere, has warned that the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) ongoing demolitions and removal exercises could become a major campaign issue ahead of the 2028 general elections.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, he argued that governments in Ghana often fail to properly resettle affected communities, creating long-term political consequences.
“Today, the NDC is doing Ramsar site and breaking people’s buildings. I bet you, it’s going to feature in the 2028 elections,” he said, referring to the current demolition activities being carried out under the NDC.
According to him, redevelopment projects such as the Korle Lagoon restoration require more thoughtful planning, particularly in addressing the needs of displaced residents.
He explained that instead of simply removing residents, authorities must provide clear alternatives, including relocation packages and long-term benefits tied to redevelopment efforts.
“If you tell them, ‘We are moving you to Mamprobi for this reason, and here you have this and that,’ and because it is your land, you even give them a stake — maybe 10% interest,” he suggested.
Mr Adom-Otchere lamented that in Ghana, governments often pay compensation without ensuring proper relocation, leaving displaced persons stranded.
Mr Adom-Otchere recalled the demolition exercises carried out along the Labadi Road under the Akufo-Addo administration. He noted that although previous governments had reportedly paid residents to relocate, the demolitions were eventually enforced without proper resettlement, triggering political backlash.
“When Akufo-Addo broke that in 2018 or 2019, the NPP lost there. Labadi, Teshie, and Nungua were completely lost,” he claimed.
He believes the same political outcome could confront the NDC, particularly with demolitions currently ongoing in Ramsar sites and other protected areas..
Mr Adom-Otchere stressed that government must adopt what he described as “thought leadership,” planning resettlement schemes that include attractive housing options and community support.
“They are 50,000… maybe 70,000. Let’s move them to Amasaman or Pampram. Build something that is attractive,” he proposed.
He further pointed to examples from South Africa, where large-scale housing projects were used to relocate displaced communities.
“The land they are leaving — they still have an attachment to it. So what are you giving them in what you are doing?” he asked.
