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More than 1,000 residents of Coconut Plantation in Osu RE, within the La Dadekotopon Municipality, have been left homeless after their homes were demolished on April 11, 2026. The demolition, overseen by Clemence Djato, CEO of Anyok Holdings, is part of a larger effort by the government to reclaim state lands.
The operation has left hundreds of families displaced, with many residents woken up by security personnel in the early hours and given only a brief opportunity to salvage their belongings before their homes were reduced to rubble. Over 100 structures, including four chapels, were flattened during the exercise, which involved heavy earth-moving equipment.
Some residents, who had ignored a one-year demolition notice, are now stranded, with no immediate place to go. One resident, a contract staff member of the Fisheries Commission, returned home to find her residence completely demolished. She, along with her son, expressed plans to relocate to Navrongo.
A joint security team, consisting of Police, National Security, and Military personnel, was deployed to provide security for the private firm contracted by the government to reclaim encroached state lands.
The Coconut Plantation area, located along the shores of Osu RE, previously housed the offices of the Fisheries Commission, which had acquired the land through an executive instrument nearly a century ago. Despite multiple demolition notices, many residents were caught off guard when the exercise began on April 11, especially as it took place while most were still asleep.
The sudden demolition left many residents fearful, anxious, and in despair. In one distressing incident, a woman overwhelmed by the loss of her home collapsed and had to be rushed to the hospital, though attempts to revive her were unsuccessful.
Residents had enjoyed access to free water and electricity in the area. However, the Chief Executive Officer of Anyok Holdings, Clemence Djato, defended the demolition, stating that the land was needed by the government for redevelopment purposes.
“This is a decongestion exercise. We are taking back land that belongs to the government,” he said. “Anyone who has built here has no right to do so.” He also rejected claims that reclaimed state lands were being redistributed for political gain, affirming that all reclaimed land had been used productively by the government.
The second phase of the demolition is scheduled to take place on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
Story by Efua Nessa
Source :Loco tv