New Akrade and Senchi residents who have been affected by the Tema-Mpakadan Railway Project have staged a protest in demand of their 25-acre-land compensation.
The affected residents, numbering over 100, are angry that the undue delay of the land compensation is hindering their relocation coupled with the associated impact on water and community roads.
They have given the Railways Development Ministry a 21-day ultimatum to respond to their demand.
On Tuesday, September 20, residents led by the Akrade Queenmother, Nana Samanko III, protested, holding placards that conveyed their displeasure.
Some of the placards read: ‘Pay Us now’, ‘Railways Ministry Pay Us’, ‘Ye ne Abre’ and ‘We need our Land Compensation’.
Queenmother Nana Samanko III was worried about the silence of the Railway Development Ministry on the land compensation.
“My people need to be paid their land compensation, its been too long. The roads in my community have worsened, we can hardly get access to potable water to drink too.”
The affected residents said the delay of the land compensation has affected their relocation plans and livelihood.
“The land compensation money has unduly delayed, only the structures have been paid for. We need the full money to enable us continue our livelihood and our project where we have relocated. Cost of materials keeps increasing, how do we survive? We will be forced to stop the work and picket at the Railways Ministry if they fail to respond to our demand in 21 days.“
Another added: “The houses close to the project are in danger, beneath is cracks developing from the project. We fear they may cave in soon because we see cracks in rocks down there.”
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