….Residents demand closure over security concerns
Residents of the East Airport Regimanuel and Manet Estates, are raising serious concerns over the illegal occupation of a road reservation near their enclave. They claim it has become a hub of illicit activities and a significant safety hazard.
The issue stems from the unauthorised establishment of Beirut Café, a coffee shop allegedly operated by people of ‘Middle Eastern origins’. This shop has not only trespassed on public land, but also disrupted the peace of the gated community.
According to Michael Owusu, General Manager of Regimanuel Estates, the café sits illegally within a road reservation along Flowerpot Road in Accra, dangerously close to the main road.
He described the structure as a “walking illegality,” emphasizing that such intrusion should not be permitted under any circumstances, including the unnecessary revving of powerful motorbikes as part of their nuisance activities.
“There is a very big problem that is unfortunately festering and rearing its ugly head within the confines of Flowerpot Road in Accra. Right at the junction where one would alight to enter the East Airport Regimanuel Estate, some unscrupulous individuals have established Beirut Café, a coffee café. Its proximity to the road is a walking violation or a living one. This is because that portion is supposed to be a road reservation, which should not warrant or allow anyone to put up a structure so close to the road,” Owusu lamented.
The café’s presence has triggered multiple concerns among homeowners, many of whom are retired professionals who had hoped to enjoy a peaceful environment.
Residents say the establishment has attracted an influx of commercial motorcyclists, commonly known as okada riders, as well as sex workers, creating an atmosphere that is both unsafe and unsuitable for the community.
Decent, hardworking people who have sacrificed for the country, now, in the twilight of their years, only want to relax and enjoy the small pension they have acquired and the small peace of mind they wish to establish.
However, this edifice, known as Beirut Café, has attracted all types of illicit behaviour, including ladies of the night, loitering Okada riders, and, worst of all, continuous accidents due to its location right within the road reservation at Flowerpot,” he stated.
Beyond the social disturbances, safety remains a primary worry. With Beirut Café positioned so close to the road, accidents have become a regular occurrence, endangering both motorists and pedestrians.
The Homeowner’s Association, has petitioned the Ledzokuku Municipal Assembly (LEKMA), demanding the café be removed.
According to Owusu, a meeting was held between residents, the assembly, and the café owner, during which it was confirmed that no official permit had been issued for the structure. Yet, despite this revelation, the café remains in operation, raising concerns about regulatory failure.
Flowerpot, a wonderful development that has opened up the entire transport system in the area, has become a source of concern.
Some people even wish it had never occurred because unscrupulous individuals are now taking advantage of the perceived traffic and openness that have resulted from the road’s expansion.
They are engaging in behaviours that negatively affect the quality of life of the 568 homes in the Regimanuel Estates in the East Airport enclave,” he added.
Frustrated by the lack of response from local authorities, the Homeowners Association has now escalated the matter to the Ministry of Roads and Highways. However, their pleas for intervention have been largely ignored so far.
It is a significant concern because increased traffic, without effective traffic management, negatively impacts the quality of life for citizens in this enclave. We are being disturbed by people who are not even Ghanaians. It is not fair,” he stated.
Dominic Boateng, President of Manet Estate, also speaking about the refusal to involve the appropriate authorities in removing the unauthorized edifice, said, “After the construction of the road, I noticed that a café shop had been built.” Motorists park their bikes there in large numbers.
If you are not careful, you might hit someone while trying to reach the TB Joshua junction, which could pose a serious problem for us. Every day, as the president of this estate, I am asked what I am doing about it.
This café shop has become a primary concern, attracting all kinds of bad behaviour. I have personally experienced the impact; one young man nearly attacked me just because I told him to stop littering.
He added, “This establishment has drawn all sorts of undesirable characters to our once-peaceful and quiet neighbourhood.” What was once a serene place is now being invaded due to the presence of Beirut Café.
Many elderly residents who once enjoyed peaceful morning strolls can no longer do so, fearing harassment or attack by okada riders and other miscreants.
“Recently, an elderly man was attacked by these motorists, and a house help from Manet Ville Estates was also assaulted. We had never experienced such problems until this establishment was established. Now, night workers and smokers have all gathered here as a result. I urge the government to come to our aid and restore security in this area. Since the owners of this establishment refuse to address our concerns, we will have no choice but to pursue legal action. We want the law to take its course.”