The settlement built over a major drain is said to harbour several illegal structures
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has uncovered a network of illegal structures, including makeshift brothels, bars, and eateries, built over a major drain near the Kwame Nkrumah Circle, an area locally known as “Lucifer Village”.
During its ongoing decongestion exercise, on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, the AMA, led by Environmental Health Officer Joseph Asitanga, identified the site as a significant public health and safety hazard.
Asitanga revealed that the unauthorised structures pose serious risks to residents and visitors due to their location on a critical drainage system.
“These structures are built directly on top of a major gutter. There are pubs, brothels, and other operations happening here, completely unregulated and extremely dangerous,” Asitanga told the press.
Preliminary surveys by the AMA indicate that many occupants of the area, including foreign nationals from Nigeria and Togo, may lack the required permits to operate businesses in Ghana. The area has also been flagged as a hotspot for immoral and criminal activities, prompting its inclusion in the AMA’s decongestion efforts.
The AMA has issued a notice to demolish the structures in the coming days as part of its broader initiative to reclaim public spaces, improve sanitation, and prevent unlawful occupation of critical infrastructure like drainage systems.
GA/KA
