The Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA) has issued a demolition notice affecting at least 300 buildings, including the iconic Asuma Banda Mosque, within the Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency in the Greater Accra Region.

The notice, dated September 22, 2023, instructed all occupants to vacate the area by September 30, 2023, warning of consequences for non-compliance.

The Deputy Chief Executive of General Services at GRDA, Susana Delali Akosua Kudjoe, reportedly issued the notice on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer, Yaw Owusu.

The notice, however, was allegedly issued without the consent of the CEO.

The situation has sparked tensions in the area, with the affected residents, including caretakers of the Asuma Banda Mosque, expressing their determination not to move.

The Insight newspaper reported that several occupants claim to have legitimate documents from the Ghana Railway Company supporting their right to the land.

Daasebre Dr. Asumadu Nyarko Appiah, Chief of Akyem Wenchi and Oseawuomanhene of Akyem Abuakwa Traditional in the Eastern Region, recently laid claim to the railway lands, asserting that GRDA sold the entire stretch to him.

This claim has led to legal battles, with the matter currently in court.

The Insight newspaper alleges that Deputy CEO Susana Delali Akosua Kudjoe is determined to proceed with the demolition exercise, ignoring attempts by the Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon, Lydia Alhassan, to halt the operation due to its potential repercussions on both the political fortunes of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the livelihoods of over 1,000 residents.

While the issue remains contentious, the affected occupants are appealing to President Nana Akufo-Addo, Chief of Staff Frema Opare, and the Council of State to intervene and seek an amicable resolution.