Akufo-Addo relocating traders for GHC 2000 inhumane – Ahi

The National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) Member of Parliament for the Bodi Constituency in the Western Region, Sampson Ahi has accused President Akufo-Addo of worsening the rising unemployment situation in the country by evicting traders around his Nima residence.

He described the move as “inhumane”, saying the President has no compassion for the poor because his status has changed, hence could not live among the ordinary people.

“What will that relocation amount do to them, and how will they get a stable life again with the very paltry sum given to them? Are they supposed to rent out new place with the GHs2000? How are these people a security threat to you when you’ve been living with them all this while? This is ridiculous! Ahi told host Fiifi Banson on Anopa Kasapa on Kasapa 102.5 FM Monday.

The government has cleared that compensation packages for traders and artisans being evicted from the enclave near the home of the President are being paid not from the national purse.

The traders and shop owners around the Nima residence of President Akufo-Addo who have been given a March 15 ultimatum to vacate the enclave are agitating over the compensation packages given them by the national security.

At least GHC3000 and GHC10, 000 were given to them as compensation packages, but they’ve complained as woefully inadequate asking for an increase in the said amounts.

Some of the traders say they have been operating their businesses in the enclave over the last 20 years and will be stranded as they vacate the premises as being demanded by the national security.

But in a statement on the development, by the Information minister and Presidential Spokesman Mustapha Hamid said the President has been humane on the matter and has even included persons who were initially not covered by the compensation.



“In view of the security implications of the operations of the traders, and artisans, national security proceeded to engage with them, and compensation packages of varied sums were agreed on. President Akufo-Addo has taken the view that the national purse must not be burdened on a matter such as this, and has gone on to pay these compensation from his personal resources.