The Animal Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-ARI) is rejecting plans by the government to relocate residents of Old Fadama to their offices at Pokuase, near Amasaman in Accra.
The CSIR-ARI in a statement, said the proposed area is their research land and government should not move the residents there.
[contextly_sidebar id=”phEk1Lhz2hvJZmZSGslDWiRpWx0W0D4g”]The CSIR-ARI further claims that the move will “negatively impact on research and development in the country.”
Government in collaboration with the Ga West Municipal Assembly is planning to provide a temporary settlement for the Old Fadama slum dwellers at Pokuase after the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) demolished their properties last week.
Earlier plans to move them to Adjen Kotoku have failed.
Personnel from the CSIR-ARI have further resolved to stage a protest today at Amasaman to express their displeasure over the relocation exercise.
“For the information of all Scientists, the Government is currently attempting to use the CSIR-ARI research lands at Pokuasi for the resettling of the Sodom and Gomora (Old Fadama) displaced victims. RSA-NEC, in conjunction with the Local Unions of CSIR-NEC has decided to brief the public on the issue that has the tendency to negatively impact on research and development of the country. Therefore all Southern Sector RSA Members should participate in this very important event to save CSIR-ARI from extinction,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, speaking on Citi News, Director of CSIR, Dr. Charles Domozoro insisted that they have secured a court injunction barring anyone from ejecting them and using the land.
“Those who are trying to bring Old Fadama residents here do not represent government. Government gave us this land because they found research to be useful that’s why the land was given to us. We want Ga West Assembly and AMA to know that we have not abandoned the court and we will go there again if they continue with the relocation exercise,” he added.
In another development, the Ga Traditional Council has served notice that it will not provide any more lands for the resettlement of Old Fadama residents who were displaced over the demolition exercise.
Speaking to Citi News, the acting President of the Council, Nii Ayi Bonte said: “From 1960, Nkrumah relocated them to New Fadama, they were also relocated to Darkuman, why should they be relocated to places of their choice?This time we will not agree.”
–
By: Godwin A. Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana