The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the Cape Coast Metropolis, Hon. George Justice Arthur, has disclosed plans to urge the Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly to engage a private lawyer to expedite a pending court case involving a businessman accused of constructing a hotel building on a road reservation at Antem in the metropolis.
Hon. George Justice Arthur made this known during a visit to the Antem community, where he inspected the disputed construction site and assessed the concerns raised by residents regarding the project.
According to the MCE, the matter is currently before the Cape Coast High Court, and the Assembly is determined to ensure that the case is handled swiftly in the interest of residents and public safety.
The controversial construction project has sparked concerns among residents of Antem, who claim that the building is being erected on the demarcation of a public road. They further allege that the construction works have blocked a major rainwater drainage channel, resulting in severe flooding in the area whenever it rains.
Speaking during the inspection, Hon. Arthur assured residents that the Assembly would take the necessary legal steps to protect public infrastructure and ensure that planning regulations are respected.
Residents of Antem revealed that they initially petitioned the Omanhen of the Oguaa Traditional Area, Osabarimba Dr. Kwesi Atta II, to intervene and stop the project when construction began. However, they said their efforts did not yield any results.
“We approached the Omanhen immediately the construction started because we believed the project would affect the drainage system and public access to the road. Unfortunately, nothing was done to halt the works,” a resident stated.
The residents expressed surprise upon later learning that the Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly had reportedly granted the businessman a permit to undertake the construction.
Hon. George Justice Arthur acknowledged the concerns raised by residents and reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to addressing the issue through legal means. He emphasized that engaging a private legal practitioner could help accelerate the court proceedings and bring finality to the matter, which has become a major concern for the Antem community.
The outcome of the case is expected to determine the future of the disputed structure and provide a lasting solution to the recurring flooding challenges affecting residents in the area.
By Frank Kofi Essuman
