Squatters resist sports priject in Tema

A large number of squatters have resisted attempts by the Tema Development Corporation (TDC) to eject them from an open area at Tema Community 3 Site 'B' which had originally been demarcated for an indoor sports complex sponsored by Korea.

As a result, a task force from the TDC forcefully used a bulldozer to clear the area for the project to take off.

According to the squatters who do not have permits, the land did not belong to the TDC but the Department of Game and Wildlife because the area consists of wetlands preserved for migrating birds.

They said their resistance stemmed from the fact that they suspected the land had been sold to the Koreans and they felt cheated.

The illegal occupants of the wooden structures on the land in question said they had lived there for years and, therefore, would not quit the place.

The Managing Director of the TDC, Mr Joe Abbey, revealed that the area was earmarked for a social centre for Community 3 Site'B'.

A visit to the site revealed that, the Methodist, Presbyterian and the Assemblies of God churches had all established branches near a school located there.

Explaining the situation, Mr Abbey said he was contacted by the Korean Community in Tema who told him that they were allocated land some years ago for a sports complex to be funded by the Korean government.

He said when he called for the site plan he realised that the claim was true but he wanted to be sure that it would be used for the intended purpose and initiated further investigation.

Mr Abbey said a representative of the Korean Embassy confirmed the need for the land, which would benefit all Tema residents and not the Koreans alone.

He said apart from the Tema Sports Stadium, the port city did not have any other sporting facility and, therefore, TDC granted them permission to go ahead with the project.

Mr Abbey said information later reached his office that when the Koreans went to clear the land for the project to take off, the encroachers hooted at them so they left and reported the incident to the TDC.

He said the TDC task force had to accompany the investors to eject the squatters for the project, which was beneficial to the people, to take place.

Mr Abbey was not happy that people decided to develop slums at any available space and later claimed to have been allocated the land, though they did not have any permit.

He warned those who were still encroaching on lands illegally and at unauthorised areas to start packing to avoid ejection.