Accra, Nov. 19, GNA - Mr Ali Baba Abature, Public Relations Officer of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), on Monday expressed shock at the reoccupation of the Tema Station by drivers, saying rehabilitation work on the station was still in progress. "The station is not yet ready for use... a lot needs to be done," he told the Ghana News Agency, adding that, currently, painting was in progress," he said.

He said a lot of work remained to be done at the station, which the AMA wanted to transform, adding that very soon work on the lighting system and reconstruction of dilapidated sheds and roofing would commence.

Mr Abature said the project had delayed because of the bureaucracy involved in the award of contract for auxiliary construction works. "The application of the Procurement Act and the various steps that we have to go through before these contracts are awarded are the reasons why we have delayed a bit," he said. The other jobs involve construction of a green belt, a shed for food vendors and a clinic. Mr Abature, who doubles as the Special Assistant to the Mayor of Accra, appealed to non-governmental organisations to help the AMA in its quest to put the city of Accra in order. He expressed disappointment with the activities of some civil society groupings, which he said, were undermining the AMA's efforts by holding press conferences, raising claims of human rights issues against the Authority's decongestion exercise. "Instead of them talking rights, rights, rights, they should also talk about responsibilities as well. They should know that no city has ever progressed in chaotic conditions." He said 48 hawkers had been prosecuted as of November 16, for selling at unauthorised places, adding that 39 persons were fined, ranging from GH=A2150 to GH=A2200 while three persons were jailed. The remaining six suspects were awaiting trial. He cautioned hawkers to desist from selling on the streets and warned that the AMA would deal drastically with the culprits. 19 Nov. 07