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STMA to demolish ghettoes at European Town
• Some unauthorised structures (Ghettoes) dotted along the rail lines
at European Town, Sekondi
The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) is set to demolish all unauthorised structures at the Sekondi Railway Station, close to European Town, at Sekondi, in the Western Region, where prostitution is said to be thriving.
Over 400 illegal structures are expected to be removed or demolished to make way for the relocation of traders towards the reconstruction of the Sekondi Market.
Although, STMA had explained that the action was to pave way for Sekondi Market Project, the rail line, near the Sekondi railway station, had generated much concern among the security architecture in the metropolis especially on the use of the base for prostitution, which had attracted foreigners mostly Nigerian girls.
Recently, Social Welfare and Community Development (SW&CD), expressed worry about the increasing rate of child prostitution in some coastal areas of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis, particularly, European Town.
It said, some persons notably adults were exploiting children, even at age 16, to engage in sex work.
“No person can exploit the labour of children but this is ongoing in the Sekondi- Takoradi Metropolis, in European Town and Amanful. It’s not a joke. It’s against the law,” the Metropolitan Director of SW&CD, Ms Constance Baiden, revealed at a community campaign targeting the youth.
She reported that elderly men in these communities were those patronising the child prostitution, saying that “after school, these child prostitutes sleep with the men to get some income.”
Ms Baiden again reported that, girls under 16 were staying alone in makeshift(ghettoes) rooms dotted along the rail lines at European Town and collected GH¢20 for sleeping with men, and “nobody is asking questions.”
“Some of the men have no conscience and no morals, indeed, child prostitution and teenage pregnancy are worrying . We need to reduce the trend in the metropolis,” she said.
The Assembly member of Airport Ridge and Chairman of Social Services Sub-Committee of STMA, Mr. Michael Deku, also expressed concern about some married men who targeted the young girls to satisfy their sexual needs.
He blamed the European Town situation on some key people in the communities.
Also, Assembly member of European Town, Mr. Samuel Kojo Mensah, complained about the springing up of ghettoes along the rail line, fuelling prostitution (trade) in the Twin City (Sekondi -Takoradi).
Last Sunday afternoon domestic fire gutted scores of makeshift structures (ghettoes) dotted along the rail lines closed to the train station at European Town, Sekondi.
About 64 structures, mostly drinking bars, and makeshift rooms, were burnt, fas reported by the Ghana National Fire Service.
A 65-year-old woman collapsed in the process.
Six gas cylinders exploded during the fire while another 65 were retrieved to safety, to prevent further explosions.
STMA explained that the action follows the eviction notice served on owners of affected structures in 2021 and the subsequent stakeholder meeting held on Monday, October 24, 2022, at the Sekondi Youth Centre.
At the said meeting, the release added, that, all the squatters were given two weeks ultimatum, ending Sunday, November 7, 2022, to remove their structures.
“The Assembly, therefore, reminded and urged all affected persons to comply with the directive before expiration of the ultimatum. The exercise will be carried out on the said date without any further notice whatsoever,” it stressed.
Various personal belongings were also burnt, Regional Fire Public Relations Officer, Divisional Officer II, Emmanuel Bonney said.
From Clement Adzei Boye, Sekondi
The Ghana Tourism Development Company Limited (GTD) in collaboration with the Department of Organisation and Human Resource Management, University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) has marked the 2026 World Safety Day Celebration in Accra.
The event held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at the Cedi Conference Centre, Legon was under the theme “Good Psychosocial Working Environment: A Pathway to Thriving Workers and Strong Organizations.”
The day is observed globally to promote safe and healthy working conditions and to raise awareness about both physical and psychological risks at the workplace.
The event formed part of efforts by stakeholders to deepen national conversations on workplace safety, particularly the growing concern about psychosocial well being.
In his keynote address, the Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr Abdul Rashid Hassan Pelpuo stressed that workers must not be treated as machines but as human beings with dignity, rights and families.
He explained that unsafe work environments marked by fear, harassment, intimidation and excessive pressure reduce productivity and weaken organisations.
He noted that although physical hazards such as faulty equipment and unsafe buildings remain a concern, psychological risks including excessive workload, bullying, job insecurity and toxic communication are equally dangerous and must be addressed.
According to him, psychological hazards are real, measurable and preventable, and should be treated with the same urgency as physical risks.
He maintained that safe and healthy working conditions are not a luxury but a fundamental right that supports productivity and social justice.
Dr Pelpuo further stated that the government remains committed to strengthening occupational safety and health systems, adding that worker wellbeing is a core responsibility of leadership and not a public relations issue.
He urged employers to create environments where dignity is protected, and workers are empowered to speak without fear.
The Dean of University of Ghana Business School, Prof Ernest Y Tweneboah Koduah noted that the school is committed to shaping a better world of work that is equitable, productive and sustainable.
He announced that the school has secured accreditation from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission to introduce a programme in organisational health and safety.
He explained that gaps in workplace safety in Ghana are linked to weak enforcement, underreporting and limited professional training.
He added that the new programme will equip graduates with the skills to prioritise employee wellbeing as a key organisational responsibility.
Prof Tweneboah Koduah urged organisations to assess psychosocial risks, invest in human resource capacity and create environments where workers can openly discuss mental health concerns.
He emphasised that collaboration between academia and industry is essential to addressing workplace safety challenges.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, the Registrar of the University of Ghana, Emelia Naa Kwantsua Agyei Mensah described the event as historic, noting that it is the first time the university is marking the global observance.
She explained that the focus on psychosocial wellbeing reflects current realities in the world of work.
She stated that employee health, including mental and emotional wellbeing, directly affects productivity, morale and institutional performance.
Mrs Agyei Mensah added that the university is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for staff and students, beyond minimum legal requirements.
She called on leaders to reflect on the kind of workplaces they create and to prioritise the wellbeing of employees.
CEO of the GTDC, Prof Kobby on his part noted that its participation aligns with its commitment under the Riyadh Declaration, which calls on member states to improve infrastructure and public safety, as well as enhance services, transport, connectivity and accessibility.
He indicated that the company intends to use the platform to highlight Ghana’s readiness to implement the declaration, with a strong focus on worker safety and wellbeing as a foundation for sustainable tourism development.
The event brought together policymakers, academics, industry players and students to discuss strategies for improving workplace safety and promoting healthier work environments across the country.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Ghana Armed Forces has confirmed that an escort convoy protecting civilians was attacked in Binduri in the Upper East Region, leaving three people dead.
In a press release issued on April 27, 2026, the military said the convoy, which was escorting about 140 civilians from Bawku to Bolgatanga, came under gunfire from unknown attackers.
It said the attackers shot at the convoy several times, killing three of the civilians being escorted and injuring one other person.
According to the statement, soldiers returned fire and were able to repel the attack. In the process, seven of the assailants were killed.
The military added that during a follow-up operation, weapons and ammunition were retrieved from a suspect who had taken refuge in a mosque.
The items included a G3 rifle, two loaded magazines, and additional rounds of ammunition.
It said ten other suspects have been arrested and are assisting with investigations.
The Ghana Armed Forces cautioned the public against engaging the military or any security agency during operations.
It extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished the injured person a speedy recovery.
By: Jacob Aggrey
