The Chief, Elders, and residents of Iture, a sub-community of Elmina in the Komenda–Edina–Eguafo–Abrem (KEEA) District of the Central Region, have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Government of Ghana over what they describe as repeated and unfair treatment regarding road expansion projects.
Addressing Asorba Media.com, the Chief of Iture, Nana Iture Kweku V, stated that this is not the first time government authorities have marked buildings in the community for demolition in the name of road dualisation, particularly the ongoing Cape Coast–Takoradi road project.
According to Nana Iture Kweku V, the community of Iture has existed long before the construction of the Elmina Castle in the 1460s, making it one of the oldest settlements in the area. He stressed that the historical significance and long-standing presence of the community should be respected in national development planning.
“We are not against development,” the chief said, “but it must be fair and humane. Our people cannot always be the ones to suffer whenever there is a road project.”
Supporting the chief’s concerns, the Mbrentsihen of Iture disclosed that during the 1980s, a construction firm identified as CP Construction Company demolished about 20 buildings in the community under similar circumstances. He noted that many affected residents at the time were left without proper compensation.
He further revealed that the current markings for the proposed dualisation of the Cape Coast–Takoradi road could lead to the demolition of nearly one-third of the entire Iture community, raising fears of displacement, loss of livelihoods, and homelessness.
Community members say they feel marginalized and ignored in decision-making processes and are calling on the government, the Ministry of Roads and Highways, and relevant agencies to engage them in dialogue, conduct proper assessments, and ensure fair compensation where demolition is unavoidable.
The people of Iture are therefore appealing to the government to reconsider the extent of the demolition, explore alternative routes where possible, and treat the community with dignity and fairness as development progresses.
As tensions rise, residents warn that failure to address their concerns could lead to serious social and economic consequences for the historic community.
Asorba Media.com will continue to monitor developments and bring updates as the story unfolds.
