Angry Tafo Newroad mechanics destroy and burn barricade after the chief backs them in an eviction dispute:
In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing land dispute, angry magazine workers at Tafo’s Newroad have destroyed and set ablaze a barricaded fence erected around their workplaces by an unidentified developer. This decisive action followed a visit to the Tafo Chief’s palace where Nana Agyen Asare publicly denied selling the land and threw his full support behind the aggrieved mechanics.
The completely barricaded area, which had previously prevented access, was quickly reduced to an open space after the determined workers dismantled the barriers. To further underscore their resolve, they also set tires on fire, signaling their unwavering commitment to prevent anyone from taking over what they claim is rightfully their land.
Speaking to this reporter on condition of anonymity, some of the youth declared, “We were never going to sit aloof for someone to take over a place owned by us and endorsed by the chief.”
The workers’ bold move comes after a deeply tense atmosphere gripped the Magazine-Newroad industrial enclave. Mechanics had arrived at their various workshops earlier in the day to find their operational areas barricaded by “faceless individuals,” without any prior notice or explanation, prompting widespread outrage over what they described as an “unlawful and unannounced eviction.” Initial protests against this action had escalated, leading to the arrest of several individuals by a combined team of police, military, and other security operatives.
Following these events, hundreds of aggrieved workers then stormed the Tafo Palace, seeking clarity from Chief Nana Agyen Asare on whether he had sanctioned or was aware of any land transaction. Addressing the workers, Nana Agyen Asare unequivocally stated that he had not sold any land to any developer and expressed ignorance about who had authorized the takeover.
“I have no hand in this and I have no knowledge,” Nana Agyen Asare declared. “You can’t just take someone’s land that has been occupied already without the person’s accord. I support you people in whatever you’re doing.” He further insisted that the magazine workers are the rightful occupants of the land.
Nana Osei, spokesperson for the aggrieved magazine workers, expressed relief at the chief’s clear stance, stating they were “very happy the truth had been unveiled.” He affirmed the workers’ commitment to “solidly back the chief and his elders in whatever action they may take to ensure that this cheat does not work.”
