….As La Dadekotopon Municipal Assembly Members induced with foreign trip
The takeover of the 37 Lorry Station, has taken a dramatic turn, with soldiers in uniform deployed to protect an unidentified private developer, purportedly constructing a project called, “Energy City.”
Despite the transaction’s lack of transparency, surveyors, have frequently visited the site to demarcate areas currently occupied by traders, mechanics, and food vendors in preparation for the project’s execution. They have not been told where to ply their trade, after obeying the eviction order.
Insider sources, have revealed that the private developer, has sent a significant number of assembly members from the La Dadekotopon Municipal Assembly abroad, allegedly to weaken their opposition and facilitate the smooth commencement of the “Energy City” project. The terminal is one of the municipality’s biggest revenue generators, but that is being sacrificed.
On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, soldiers were observed safeguarding surveyors, as they conducted ground measurements at the 37 Lorry Station. Frustrated traders attempted to record video footage of the activity, but soldiers on site intervened and issued stern warnings against it.
The involvement of soldiers, has fuelled further suspicions that the land has been sold by undisclosed individuals, as no known figures, have publicly claimed responsibility for the deal.
Despite The Herald’s efforts to obtain clarification from relevant authorities, no government official, has admitted involvement, and the transaction has not been publicly disclosed.
According to reports, even traders have independently sought answers from individuals who frequently visit the lorry station and engage with the leadership of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU).
When The Herald contacted GPRTU executives, Yaw Amoako and one “Mr Boat”, they refused to comment and appeared uneasy. They claimed to be mere tenants with no knowledge of the project.
However, their statements contradict assertions from traders and drivers, who allege that these executives, have been acting as intermediaries for the shadowy company behind the project.
Sources indicate that GPRTU executives, have attempted to leverage political affiliations, urging traders to comply with the eviction order, citing the recent electoral defeat of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as justification.
As it stands, traders are being forcibly evicted from what is purportedly military land by a private developer.
Neither the Mahama government nor any official body, has stepped forward to address the situation, which will inconvenience commuters to various parts of the city, traders, transport owners, drivers, and their mates. This silence has emboldened those orchestrating the land takeover.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for La Dadekotopon, Rita Odoley Sowah, appears to have been kept in the dark about key details of the initiative. In a telephone interview with The Herald, she disclosed that, she has yet to receive the project drawings.
While acknowledging that she has met with the project’s proponents and leaders of both the La Dadekotopon Assembly and the 37 GPRTU, she insisted she does not know who is behind the development, despite its association with the Energy City project.
“I am aware of the project, but I am not sure whether the assembly has granted permission for it to proceed,” she stated.
She further explained, “I have spoken to the Assembly, and I know a road is planned to pass behind the station, but I have yet to receive the drawings.”
Meanwhile, traders remain in distress, scrambling to protect their modest investments and means of livelihood as the authorities remain silent on the unfolding situation.