Kozie condemns GRIDCo-linked demolition of new toilet facility in Adjiringanor

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) 2024 Parliamentary Candidate for Adentan, Akosua Manu also known as Kozie has strongly condemned the demolition of a newly commissioned 4-seater toilet facility in Adjiringanor by individuals claiming to be workers of the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo).

The facility, which was commissioned just a day prior to its destruction, was constructed to provide much-needed relief to residents of the Adjiringanor community and formed part of Kozie’s broader commitment to improving basic social infrastructure and uplifting living standards in the Adentan Constituency.

However, what should have marked the beginning of an improved quality of life for the residents was tragically cut short when the structure was razed under questionable circumstances. Eyewitnesses said a group of men arrived on site in the early hours of the morning, claiming to be from GRIDCo, and proceeded to demolish the facility without offering any formal explanation or documentation.

Addressing the media after visiting the site, a visibly upset Kozie expressed deep disappointment and frustration over the incident, describing it as an act of sabotage against the welfare of the community. “This is not just a demolition of a building,” she said. “It is a demolition of hope, a demolition of dignity. The people of Adjiringanor, especially the women and children who were the primary beneficiaries of this facility, are heartbroken.”

Kozie emphasized that no official notice of encroachment or warning was issued prior to the demolition, and no engagement had taken place between the alleged GRIDCo team and her office or community leaders. “If indeed these individuals were acting on behalf of GRIDCo, then the company owes the people of Adentan an explanation. This is not how institutions of the state should treat communities they are meant to serve,” she added.

She reiterated that the facility was constructed on communal land after extensive consultations with local stakeholders and as such is out of place for GRIDCo to demolish it like they did.

“The community has been waiting for this kind of intervention for years. Yesterday, their joy was palpable when we handed over the facility. Today, that joy has been replaced by despair and disbelief,” Kozie noted.

She called on GRIDCo to officially clarify whether the demolition was sanctioned by the company and to produce any legal basis for such an action. “We are not against lawful procedures or protecting state property, but this cannot be how matters are resolved in a democratic society. We expect transparency and respect for the people,” she said.

The incident has sparked anger among residents, with many calling for immediate accountability. Community members gathered at the site to express their shock and frustration, questioning why a basic sanitation facility that posed no harm had been singled out for destruction.

Kozie emphasized that no official notice of encroachment or warning was issued prior to the demolition, and no engagement had taken place between the alleged GRIDCo team and her office or community leaders. “If indeed these individuals were acting on behalf of GRIDCo, then the company owes the people of Adentan an explanation. This is not how institutions of the state should treat communities they are meant to serve,” she added.

She reiterated that the facility was constructed on communal land after extensive consultations with local stakeholders and as such is out of place for GRIDCo to demolish it like they did.

“The community has been waiting for this kind of intervention for years. Yesterday, their joy was palpable when we handed over the facility. Today, that joy has been replaced by despair and disbelief,” Kozie noted.

She called on GRIDCo to officially clarify whether the demolition was sanctioned by the company and to produce any legal basis for such an action. “We are not against lawful procedures or protecting state property, but this cannot be how matters are resolved in a democratic society. We expect transparency and respect for the people,” she said.

The incident has sparked anger among residents, with many calling for immediate accountability. Community members gathered at the site to express their shock and frustration, questioning why a basic sanitation facility that posed no harm had been singled out for destruction.

This, she assured constituents that her office would not relent in advocating for their dignity and well-being.