There was evidence of some transported kiosks from the slum-like area, whiles some containers in the area had ‘for sale’ signs on them.

On Friday, March 9, National Security gave the residents and traders up to Thursday [March 15] to pack out of the area. The affected persons were said to be receiving compensation of GHc 3,000 to GHc 10,000.

But some of the the affected persons who spoke to Citi News say the compensation amounts were not enough.

The area houses a variety of business  including tailors, lotto spots, fruit stands, a carpentry shop, a mechanic shop, provision stores, among others, all being overlooked by the Stanbic Heights tower on the other side of the Ring Road just behind it.

Some of the persons on the ground, who were merely apprentices in shops or patrons of some of the establishments exhibited some apathy over the situation.

“I came from somewhere before settling here. I’ll be fine” one young man at a mechanic shop said.

However, uncertainty lies ahead for the likes of Joseph Kobina, a security man taking care of a family of six, who said he has lived in that area for over 30 years. He does not know where he and his wife and five children may be living by his 60th birthday on August 4.

One of his daughters is an unemployed graduate nurse, two of his other older kids are done with school, while one is still in Senior High School and requires school fees.

When Citi News spoke to Joseph, he said he was waiting on a carpenter to help him begin the process of moving, but he was clear that the GHc 3,000 given him as compensation for him to move was not enough.

He said he will be left with no other option but to beg if he had not moved by the Thursday deadline.

“I want somebody to give me a place to pack my things. I haven’t gotten any place at the moment. So my wife is going to stay home until we find a place to put a kiosk. With the money they gave us, it can’t satisfy me. They gave me GHc3,000 and I am having two kiosks and my wife [a trader] also has a kiosk.”

“If by Thursday, we haven’t moved, we shall plead with the people coming to evict us because at the moment, the money they gave me, it can’t do anything. Even if I find a place to go, the money can never do anything. It can’t settle me… They should extend the time and they should add some of more money because that GHc 3,000, what am I going to do with it?”

Joseph’s daughter, the unemployed graduate nurse, echoed her father’s uncertainty and lamented that her mom will effectively be without a source of livelihood for the foreseeable future.

“When we close the shop, we don’t even know where we are going. One of my aunties says she has space in Kasoa but when we go there, are we going to sit there and fold our arms? Where will we eat? So it is very bad. So they must check the compensation and see if they can add something so we can also go and start life anew,” she said.

Joseph’s message to the assemblyman for the area was simple: ” he should come to the area to come and help us and to say something to the government to help those who haven’t got enough money.”

The Assemblyman for the Nima West Electoral Area, where the President lives, Umaru Sanda Mohammed, is yet to visit the place though he told Citi News he has plans of meeting the Accra Metropolitan Assembly over the issue to ease the plight of the persons affected.

“I said to myself that by Monday, I have to go and check up at the AMA and I will definitely go and meet my people around that area to discuss these issues with them because they have to be given enough time [to move].”

The government has explained that at least two months notice was given to the traders and residents to vacate the area.

A statement from the government says that “extensive consultations were undertaken between the Office of the President, National Security, and the traders and artisans, before the implementation of this decision.”

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By: Delali Adogla-Bessa & Ann-Shirley Ziwu/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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He also stated that the compensation handed out to the affected persons, that reportedly ranged between GHc 2,000 and GHc 10,000, was inadequate after National Security gave them one week to pack out of the area.

[contextly_sidebar id=”y3lqHazOcQaHtPmCFT1ZCMY0ImEFLAEd”]Speaking on Eyewitness News, he acknowledged that there were legitimate security considerations that went into this move but they “should not be at the expense of very poor vulnerable people.”

He feels the situation which is “causing distress” in the name of the President should have been handled better.

For one, Dr. Akwetey said the traders have not received any reasonable compensation a claim corroborated by some traders themselves who told Citi News that the amounts were inadequate and not a true reflection of their investments.

“What I feel is not justifiable is the compensation given to them… it is from that angle that I feel we should question the process and the compensation given to them,” Dr. Akwetey said.

On the point of compensation, he also said the government needed to “explain the valuation and the compensation because [the traders] are vulnerable people.”

The IDEG boss also remarked that this action, whether it was executed with the President’s blessing or not, went against the government’s pledge to bridge the economic gap.

“All that I have heard is that the President wants to eradicate poverty and he wants to do it quickly. So I cannot understand a decision that rather aggravates the poverty of any group in these current circumstances, of those most vulnerable. I don’t think it is fair… I thought that the compensation should be increased. That makes them feel that yes the President must be protected but they also don’t feel distressed, dismayed, scared, unhappy and all that.”

Question of the Flagstaff House

On a side note, Dr. Akwetey also said the government should explain why “the President cannot move into the official residence [Flagstaff House].”

“What is the problem with it? I don’t know but there must be a reason why he wouldn’t move there so we should know,” he remarked.

The President’s decision to remain in his private residence has been the subject of some scrutiny, with critics noting the inconveniences that having the President in a regular residential area brings.

Before this eviction, the road in front of the President’s residence was closed to traffic and the effect this has had on some businesses in the areas has been cited as one of the negative effects of his decision not to move into the Flagstaff House.

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By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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The traders will be compensated with amounts ranging from GHc 3,000 to GHc 10,000.

National Security officials visited the area on Friday and handed the compensation packages to some shop owners but some of the traders expressed discontent when Citi News visited the area.

Some complained that the compensation was inadequate and not a true reflection of their investments.

“They told us they would give us something to take our containers. They gave some GHc 2,000, some GHc 3,000 and I heard some were given GHc 10,000. They haven’t given me the cost of the land. For the blocks and stones, I have already spent GHc 500 and [I have to pay to transport] the container. It is not easy,” one woman told Citi News.

One other fruit trader, however, said she had not even received any compensation money.

According to her, the compensation money was given to some leaders in the area who have not disbursed it.

“I live here. I’ve been here for four years. I sell fruits. I heard they were going to evict us from here and compensate us with money. But some of the elders have taken the compensation money and not given us some of it. I have not even gotten even 10 pesewas.”

“What do we do now? Me, I don’t have money to rent a new home so we really need some help,” she lamented.

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By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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The open drain linking Kawukudie through Paloma to Asylum Down has collapsed at Nima Residential, where De-youngsters International school is located.

The lives of the 1,500 pupils together with the teeming population there is at risk, as the collapse of the drain has led to massive erosion that has eaten halfway into the road.

The Youth in the area say they are fed up with the many promises by the Zongo Development and Inner Cities Minister.

They want the government to fix the drain immediately as they dread the havoc that the next rain can cause to their lives and properties.

According to the headmaster of De-Youngsters International School Marcole Muslim, the lives of students and staff alike is under threat as “they cross this risky bridge to and from school”.

The situation is threatening to collapse the foundation of a two-storey building across the road, as the road erosion has eaten half into the road leaving dangerous cracks in the road.

But the area has not been cordoned off and this resident is scared. “We cry every day. We can’t sleep. Every morning I get horrified at the sight of children who out of ignorance attempt to jump into the drain. We plead with President Akufo-Addo to do something about it for us.”

The road, which is currently under threat of collapse is the main link between Nima and Paloma.

According to a Convener of a youth group, East and North Ayawaso Youth for development, Nazir Idris, the storm drain begun deteriorating after the June 3 disaster in 2015.

He says both ex-President Mahama and President Akufo-Addo have been to the area.

He blamed the political class of paying lip service to residents of the neighbourhood.

“Nana Addo was here. John Mahama was here. They’ve seen what is happening. The President [Nana Akufo-Addo] lives just few meters away. We feel this is a betrayal of trust because he is a member of the community. Areas like this should be having closed drainage not open drainage. There was construction of a closed drainage from Kanda Highway under the Mahama government, but since the change in government, we feel the Akufo-Addo government is indifferent about the project.”

The residents cannot fathom why they should live in such a precarious, dirty and dangerous situation in the neighbourhood of a sitting President who has vowed to make Accra the cleanest city in Africa.

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By: Caleb Kudah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

Twitter @CalebKudah

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In an interaction with Muslim clerics at the Alesuna Mosque, Nana Akufo-Addo noted that when the time is due for elections, there are some who, for political gain, will infiltrate Zongo communities and seek to foist division, on religious lines, amongst the people.

“They will say Akufo-Addo hates Muslims, does not like people resident in Zongo communities, so as to put fear in you. There is not an iota of truth in any of this. Of all the presidential candidates contesting this year’s elections, I’m the only one who has selected a Muslim to be my running mate,” Nana Akufo-Addo said.

The NPP flagbearer further explained that his choice of Dr. Bawumia, since 2008, was because “with Christianity and Islam being the two dominant religions in Ghana, unity amongst these two religions will help spur on the country’s development.”

“The Muslim I chose is not just a Muslim, but a very brilliant Muslim, who can help develop the nation with his indepth knowledge.”

The NPP flagbearer explained that his choice of Dr. Bawumia, since 2008, was because “with Christianity and Islam being the two dominant religions in Ghana, unity amongst these two religions will help spur on the country’s development. The Muslim I chose is not just a Muslim, but a very brilliant Muslim, who can help develop the nation with his in-depth knowledge.”

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By: citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Nana Addo mobbed by supporters at Nima appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

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Special Ivory Coast edition: Didier Drogba speaks from the heart about wanting to break his nation’s World Cup group stage hoodoo.

With 13 days to start Brazil 2014, we hear from Ivorian coach Sabri Lamouchi and striker Salomon Kalou on the pressure to deliver for millions of frustrated fans.

Victor Ikpeba, 1997 African Footballer of the Year rewinds time to *that* infamously disallowed penalty of Afcon 2000. Plus he’s sure that at least one African side will go very far in Brazil. (by GH One TV’s Samuel Bartels)

New Ghana sensation Abdul Majeed Waris has scored nine Ligue 1 goals in 2014 – more than any other player in the league – except Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The former Swedish league goal king opens up for a lengthy chat (by GH One TV’s Samuel Bartels, with Nathan Quao and Jesse Amponsah)

And who wins our Samsung Galaxy S3 mini this week?

_

Presented by Gary Al-Smith and produced by Nathan Quao/Gary Al-Smith for Citi FM & Supersport.com. Aired: May 30, 2014.

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Song Title: Someway Bi
Artist Name: M.anifest
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After an intense channel battle GTV, Ghana’s premier television network and its sports channel  GTV Sport Plus, finally succeeded in pricing away from other competing TV networks the much heralded  Brazil 2014 World Cup Soccer Fiesta sport documentary series presented by ace sports broadcaster and senior lecturer at the Ghana School of Law, Moses Foh-Amoaning.

Source: Moses Foh-Amoaning

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Yaya Toure tops our top 10 African players in the EPL list but John Mikel Obi does not make it!

Interview: Former Zambia boss Herve Renard on missing the country he led to an Afcon trophy, development of Stopila Sunzu and Nathan Sinkala plus will he come back to Africa?

Interview: Ghana striker Jordan Ayew speaks about his football priorities for club and country with the looming World Cup.

Interview: In part 1 of an insightful talk, Kwesi Appiah reveals how he feels about being given an honorary degree in the USA, preparing the Black Stars and what a typical day at the office feels like.

And who is the winner of our Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini weekly quiz?

_

Presented by Gary Al-Smith and produced by Nathan Quao/Gary Al-Smith for Citi FM & Supersport.com. Aired: May 2, 2014.

**Soundtrack details**
Song Title: Someway Bi
Artist Name: M.anifest
Produced by: Yung Fly
Singitdamnit Music/Cumbancha Music Publishing (BMI) 2013

More detail: www.facebook.com/FCAfricaRadio

The post FC Africa 9: Top 10 Africans in EPL, interviews: Herve Renard, Jordan Ayew & Kwesi Appiah appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

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– Togo international Emmanuel Adebayor speaks to us exclusively about his Tottenham form (with Dotun Tenubi)

– We hear from Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah as he marks two years in charge (analysis with BBC’s Michael Oti-Adjei and Power FM’s Christopher Opoku)

–  Then we take an extensive look at Algeria’s preparations for Brazil 2014 (with Maher Mezahi). Plus the usual dose of ‘Africans Abroad’.

– And who is the winner of our Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini weekly quiz? You can win too! (click here)

___

Presented by Gary Al-Smith and produced by Nathan Quao/Gary Al-Smith for Citi FM & supersport.com. Aired: April 11, 2014.

**Soundtrack details**
Song Title: Someway Bi
Artist Name: M.anifest
Produced by: Yung Fly
Singitdamnit Music/Cumbancha Music Publishing (BMI) 2013

More detail: www.facebook.com/FCAfricaRadio

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The post FC Africa 6: Adebayor speaks, 2 years of Ghana’s Kwesi Appiah & Algeria unlocked appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

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Mamadou Gaye is back!

In this edition, the hugely popular and controversial Ivorian football analyst says no African country will go past the group stage of Brazil 2014!

Plus, we touch base with our Portuguese and American guys (Alfredo Curardo and Juan Arango) who gauge reaction to the World Cup budget of their countries.

In Abuja, Nigeria, we speak to people who are clearly scandalized with the $11m the federal government has given for spending in Brazil. For perspective, our resident financial analyst, Godfred Akoto-Boafo explores what African countries stand to gain fiscally from the tournament.

And we move on to get a wrap of this weekend’s African Champions League from football blogger Oluwada Lotfi.

We finish with Nathan Quao’s extensive weekly ‘Africans Abroad’ preview.

—

Presented by Gary Al-Smith and produced by Nathan Quao/Gary Al-Smith for Citi FM & Supersport.com.

Soundtrack details
Song Title: Someway Bi
Artist Name: M.anifest
Produced by: Yung Fly
Singitdamnit Music/Cumbancha Music Publishing (BMI) 2013

More detail: Twitter.com/FCAfrica or Facebook.com/FCAfricaRadio

Follow @FcAfrica

The post FC Africa ep 3: African teams’ WCup budgets, Africans abroad & Champs League appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.