It was a painful sight for owners of unauthorised buildings erected at the Sakumono Ramsar site on Tuesday when a taskforce invaded the area, demol­ishing structures to reclaim encroached lands.

The taskforce also stopped ongoing construction at the flood-prone zone.

The exercise, spearhead­ed by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Mrs Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, in collaboration with the National Disaster Manage­ment Organisation (NADMO), the Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC), and various Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), was part of a broader plan to prevent future disasters.

Tuesday’s exercise followed a two-day demolition exer­cise held last month that saw more than 100 buildings and fence walls crushed.

The exercise, according to Mrs Ocloo, was a proactive measure to mitigate the impact of flooding and ensure public safety.

Despite the high level of resistance, she noted that, the exercise would continue until all illegal structures were brought down and the land restored to its ecologi­cal status.

The Director General of NADMO, Major Dr Joseph Bikanyi Kuyon, described the exercise as ‘very successful,’ highlighting that no physical obstructions or confronta­tions occurred.

By Cecilia Yada Lagba

The Ashanti Regional Co-ordinating Council has expressed its deep sorrow over the death of Alhaji Abdul-Malik Azenbge, the Chief of Kusaase, who was shot and killed at Asewase on Tuesday, 22nd July 2025.

In reaction to this tragic incident, the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) held an emergency meeting on Wednesday, 24th July 2025 to assess the situation and take immediate action to maintain peace in the region.

After the meeting, REGSEC announced that motorbikes would no longer be allowed on the roads after 7:00pm until further notice.

In a press release signed by the Ashanti regional Minister, Hon. Dr. Frank Amoakohene made it clear that the use of unlicensed motorbikes or those without lights was strictly prohibited.

Additionally, they ordered an immediate suspension of the inter-tribal football competition that was ongoing in the region.

Another measure announced was a temporary ban on motorbike riders wearing smocks. According to REGSEC, some individuals have been using smocks to hide weapons, and this posed a serious security threat.

To ensure public safety and prevent further violence, REGSEC said there would be a strong security presence in identified hotspot areas.

It indicated that both police officers and military personnel would be deployed to help protect lives and property.

The Council assured the public of the government’s firm commitment to maintaining law and order.

They noted that everything was being done to find and arrest those responsible for the killing of the chief.

They called on the general public to cooperate with security agencies and share any credible information that could help with investigations. REGSEC emphasized that they remain fully committed to their mandate of keeping the region safe and peaceful.

By Jacob Aggrey