Tema artisans protest alleged sale of land near Cocoa Processing Company

Artisans in Tema have staged a protest against the purported sale of land near the Cocoa Processing Company (CPC) to a private developer, reportedly a Chinese national. The demonstrators, who claim to have operated on the site for over 26 years, are calling for urgent government intervention to prevent their displacement from the industrial zone. The protest highlights growing tensions in the hub between long-term informal land occupiers and new private property developers.

Speaking on behalf of the group, spokesperson Emmanuel Abdul-Salam emphasized that the land has served as their primary place of business for nearly three decades. According to Abdul-Salam, the artisans are currently facing persistent harassment and the immediate threat of eviction from the individual claiming ownership of the property. He argued that rather than selling such parcels to private entities, the government should secure and utilize the space to support local artisanal work, which provides vital services to the surrounding industrial community.

The dispute has already transitioned into a legal battle, with Abdul-Salam noting that the ownership matter is currently before a court. Despite the ongoing litigation, the artisans claim they are being pressured to vacate the premises before a verdict is reached. They are urging the administration of President John Mahama to step in and protect their livelihoods while the court determines the rightful status of the land, maintaining that the sale threatens the economic stability of hundreds of workers.

As the legal process continues, the artisans have vowed to remain on the land to protect their interests and equipment. The situation remains unresolved as the community awaits a response from the Tema Metropolitan Assembly or the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. This incident underscores the broader challenges of land tenure and industrial zoning in Tema, where competing interests between established local tradesmen and new private investors frequently lead to public demonstrations.