In a firm display of resilience and solidarity, over 100 traders from the Peaceful Settlement Association in Ashaiman staged a peaceful demonstration on Monday, August 18, 2025, to protest what they describe as an unlawful eviction from their land. The traders assert that the land in question is legally theirs, backed by valid ownership documents, and currently under a court injunction.
The protest comes amid allegations that the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly (ASHMA) is attempting to seize the disputed land and hand it over to a private developer. According to the traders, this move has already caused several members of the association to lose their shops and livelihoods, sparking frustration and discontent among those affected.
Speaking to the media during the demonstration, Jeffery Eli, spokesperson for the Peaceful Settlement Association, expressed the group's determination to resist any attempts to remove them forcibly. He emphasized that the association would stand its ground until the court delivers a ruling on the matter.
“We are here to protest against the municipal executives for intimidating us to sign an illegal agreement with a private developer. These developers called us into an office and asked us to sign an agreement with the encroacher so he could take over the land. The land belongs to the Peaceful Settlement Association, and we have documents to prove ownership,” Eli stated firmly.
He also voiced concerns about what he described as intimidation tactics by municipal authorities under the guise of decongestion efforts. “We do not understand why the MCE [Municipal Chief Executive] is intimidating us under the guise of decongestion and trying to settle the matter out of court. As we speak, the case is in court and should be decided there,” he added.
The traders argue that any attempt to resolve the dispute outside of legal channels undermines their rights and sets a dangerous precedent for similar situations in the future. They have called for transparency and due process, urging municipal authorities to respect the ongoing judicial proceedings.
The demonstration unfolded peacefully, with participants holding placards and chanting slogans that highlighted their grievances. Many expressed fears about losing their livelihoods permanently if the eviction proceeds without a proper resolution in court.
This case sheds light on broader issues surrounding land ownership disputes, urban development, and the rights of small-scale traders in rapidly growing municipalities. It also raises questions about how local governments balance development initiatives with protecting the interests of vulnerable groups.
As this matter continues to unfold, all eyes are now on the court proceedings that will determine the fate of both the traders and the disputed land. For now, the Peaceful Settlement Association remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting what it believes is rightfully theirs.
This protest serves as a reminder of the importance of legal frameworks in resolving disputes and ensuring that all parties involved are treated fairly and equitably. It also underscores the critical role of advocacy and peaceful demonstrations in amplifying the voices of marginalized groups in society.
The outcome of this case will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for land ownership rights and urban development policies in Ashaiman and beyond.
-Channelonenewsonline
Curated by Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
