Agbogbloshie decongestion: Who’ll benefit? – Economic Fighters League ask.

The Economic Fighters League has questioned who the beneficiaries of the just-ended decongestion exercise at the Agbogbloshie market.

On 1 July 2021, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Mr Henry Quartey, led the relocation of the onion sellers as part of his ‘Let Make Accra Work’ pet project, which involves decongesting slums and removing unauthorised structures in the capital city.

A statement issued by the Economic Fighters League on 4 July 2021, indicated that it is monitoring “with concern the displacement and violent evictions at the informal settlements of Agbogbloshie District of Accra”.

In its view, “Ostensibly, these actions by AMA, police et al are for the best of the area”.

“Who amongst us can say with any confidence that this same political class failing us in every other way can be trusted to have the interest of the peoples of Agbogbloshie or surrounding areas?

“If so surely more humane measures have been used for current residents? After all they are the victims of economic conditions very few Africans have control in or benefit from. It’s certain the people are losing homes, shelters, and sources of sustenance,” Fighters queried.

The statement continued: “We must ask who will truly benefit from the clearance work taking place; who will get the ensuing construction contracts and commercial opportunities, and how? Etc”.

The statement further noted that “Fighters will remain vigilant and we are resolute in continuing to be the eyes and ears of fellow Africans who like many of us are marginalised and oppressed by forces that are literally supposed to shelter us and represent our interests”.