What may appear to be another demolition exercise in Greater Accra has become a deeply personal ordeal for an elderly woman at Oyarifa New York.
Madam Barbara Boateng says part of her residence was demolished even though she holds a Land Title and building permits which, according to her, cover the property and the structures on it.
She reportedly lives alone and says she was not adequately engaged before the demolition.
Through her lawyers, Beyuo & Co, she is now demanding that authorities explain the circumstances surrounding the exercise.
The lawyers’ July 27, 2026 letter to the Head of the Flood Mitigation Task Force and the Municipal Chief Executive of the La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal Assembly states that the property is neither on a waterway nor within a road reservation.
The lawyers further say their client was served with a demolition notice but was not adequately engaged over the reasons for the proposed action.
The incident has triggered sympathy among some residents, who say the emotional and financial consequences of demolition can be devastating, particularly for elderly homeowners.
They argue that before any property is pulled down, authorities should ensure that ownership, permits, planning status and the alleged violation are clearly established.
At the same time, residents acknowledge that public authorities must act where structures obstruct waterways, drainage systems or other protected areas.
Their concern is whether that enforcement was carried out in this particular case in a manner that was fair and transparent.
Madam Boateng’s lawyers are demanding that no further action be taken until their client is properly engaged.
The case now presents a broader question for communities across Greater Accra: how can authorities enforce planning and environmental regulations without leaving legitimate property owners feeling unheard or helpless?
For Madam Boateng, the answer is urgent. Part of her home is already gone, and she wants to know why.
