By Eugene Nyarko Jnr. | Afienya, Ajumador | May 8, 2026
Residents of Ajumador near Afienya in the Greater Accra Region have petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, alleging unlawful demolition of their properties by some police officers and private individuals despite an ongoing court case over the land.
The petitioners accused Mr. Divine Amartey Odonkor and some police officers, including officers from the Anti-Landguard Unit, of carrying out what they described as an “egregious abuse of power” during a demolition exercise on April 25, 2026.
According to the petition, a team allegedly led by ASP Alex Norvor and accompanied by police officers in vehicle number GP-3979 arrived at about 6:23 a.m. with excavators and bulldozers and demolished several buildings and fence walls in the community.
The residents claimed the officers failed to produce any court warrant or legal authorization when questioned and allegedly threatened residents with violence and arrest. They further alleged that some officers seized mobile phones and deleted videos and photographs taken during the operation.
The petitioners maintained that the disputed matter is currently before the courts and accused the alleged demolition team of disregarding due legal process.
“We explicitly informed them, especially Mr. Divine Odonkor, that the matter is still in court pending final judgment, yet they deliberately ignored our pleas and proceeded with the demolition,” the petition stated.
The residents also accused an officer identified as Abraham Tetteh of the Devtraco Police Station of issuing threats against some residents and allegedly targeting a female resident who had previously questioned police activities in the area.
According to the petition, the demolition exercise affected several property owners and structures, including completed houses, uncompleted buildings, footings and fence walls.
Among the affected persons listed in the petition are George Martey, described as Head of the Martey Family; Martins Morgan, whose four-bedroom house was allegedly demolished; Lawerh Victor and Amoako Seth, whose two-bedroom houses were affected; as well as Jennifer Asante and Emmanuel Asante, whose fence walls were reportedly destroyed.
Other affected residents include Abraham Kweku Odah, Richard, Abdul Mumin Mohammed, Divine Dekonor, Johnson Doe and Vincent Kaku.
The petitioners said the incident has left many families financially and emotionally devastated and appealed to the IGP to investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure accountability.
They further called for the arrest and prosecution of all persons found culpable, including any police officers involved in the demolition exercise.
The residents also urged the Police Administration to intervene immediately to prevent further demolitions and protect lives and property in the area.
Efforts to reach the accused persons and the Police Administration for their response were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
