Cholera, human rights, and clean streets — Vanderpuije justifies demolitions in Accra

Alfred Oko Vanderpuije, MP for Ablekuma South, defended the demolitions in Accra. He was the former Mayor of the city. He stated that these actions were necessary for public health and national interest.

In an interview on Channel One’s Newsroom, he explained the reasons behind key demolitions. These included areas along High Street, beachfront communities, and Kwame Nkrumah Circle.

“Every demolition I led had a reason,” he said. He noted that the High Streets and beach areas were linked to cholera outbreaks. At that time, many people were dying from the disease.

Vanderpuije described unsanitary conditions in affected areas. People were defecating near food vendors, creating serious health risks. “We had to clear that to eliminate it,” he explained.

He mentioned that after these actions, cholera cases decreased significantly for years. However, he noted a resurgence of cases in recent years.

Vanderpuije also discussed international pressure regarding some demolitions. He specifically referenced the demolition at Circle as necessary due to US threats related to human rights abuses there.

He did not provide details about the specific threat but emphasized its importance. “Why should we allow a group of people to tarnish our image?” he asked.