Rockson-Nelson Etse Dafeamekpor, the Member of Parliament for South Dayi constituency, recently revealed shocking details about the demolition of his 8-bedroom apartment during the previous Akufo-Addo administration. He disclosed that the building, situated on land in Adenta that he had legally acquired from local chiefs, was demolished by officials from the State Housing Company, accompanied by individuals who posed as military personnel, claiming the land to be state property.
This revelation came in response to criticism from the NPP minority caucus regarding the constitutionality of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) Committee established by President John Mahama. MP for Suame John Darko argued that the committee’s activities amount to harassment and a witch-hunt targeting former appointees who have legitimately acquired properties.
In defense of the ORAL committee, Dafeamekpor explained that its mandate does not overlap with other state agencies and provides a civil approach to addressing corruption. He recounted the events surrounding the demolition of his property, stating that all his resources were invested in building the house. He described how State Housing officials, supported by the police and military, razed down his house and some of his neighbors’ properties under the pretext that it was state land.
Dafeamekpor emphasized that he has been engaged in a legal battle over the demolition since then, noting that the officials were unable to prove their case but had already destroyed his property. He highlighted the aggressive manner in which the demolition took place, with a military vehicle, armed military men, and police officers cordoning off the area before carrying out the operation.
The ORAL committee, appointed by President Mahama on 18th December 2024, consists of five members chaired by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP for North Tongu. The committee’s primary task is to gather information on suspected corruption cases and includes individuals such as former Auditor-General Daniel Domelevo, retired Commissioner of Police Nathaniel Kofi Boakye, private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu, and investigative journalist Raymond Archer.
This incident sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals who have been victims of property seizures and unjust demolitions. Dafeamekpor’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice prevails in all circumstances.
