‘Every demolition had a purpose’ – Vanderpuije defends tenure as Accra Mayor

Nii Oko Vanderpuije, the MP for Ablekuma South, defended his demolitions. He was also the former Mayor of Accra. Vanderpuije stated that these actions were necessary for public health.

In an interview on Channel One’s Newsroom with Eno Safo, he responded to criticism. He explained that the demolitions in Greater Accra were crucial during a health crisis.

“Every demolition I led had a reason,” he said. He highlighted areas like High Streets and the beach side. These locations faced cholera outbreaks, which caused many deaths.

Medical officers traced the outbreak to unsanitary conditions in specific areas. Vanderpuije described how people were defecating openly when they intervened. They cleared vendors selling food to eliminate health risks.

He noted that after these actions, cholera cases dropped significantly for years. However, he mentioned that outbreaks returned recently.

Vanderpuije also discussed the demolition at Kwame Nkrumah Circle. This action was urgent due to concerns from the United States about human rights abuses there.

“The US threatened decisions that could harm Ghana's economy,” he explained. He questioned why they should allow this situation to damage their image and economy.

While acknowledging controversy, Vanderpuije insisted these actions served the city's best interests and national welfare.