AMA demands removal of June 3 disaster artifacts

Some persons said to be acting on behalf of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly are demanding the removal of artifacts erected at the June 3 twin-disaster site at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra in remembrance of the national disaster that hit the city last year.

An artist, Mr Faisal Dauda, has used plastic waste to reconstruct the disaster scene at the Goil Fuel Station, adjacent to the GCB Tower to commemorate the one year anniversary of the disaster that was caused by floods and fire outbreak.
GhanaPoliticsonline.com

Pictures of those who lost their lives in the disaster as well as that of some survivors had also been pasted at vantage points at the disaster scene.

An inscription: “June 3 Save A Life” has also been written boldly in the colours of Ghana’s national flag at the scene.

But Onua FM’s Auguster Boateng reported Wednesday afternoon that officials contracted by the AMA to prepare the scene for an official ceremony to mark the anniversary demanded that the artist removes the artifacts.

The officials declined to give reasons for the removal order, she reported, adding efforts to get the AMA officials at the site to respond to the issue proved futile.

Our correspondent reported that the scores of people who had thronged the scene to catch a glimpse of the artistic showpiece were shocked by action of the officials.

The creator of the artifacts which appears to be an exhibition, Mr Faisal Dauda said although he applied for permit to mount his artifact at the disaster scene, he was yet to get permit from the AMA, adding he could not wait any longer as the event date was approaching hence his decision to go ahead without the permit.

“All efforts to get a permit failed so I went ahead to put up this place because I know that if I don’t put my idea out there quickly, Ghanaians would be dealt a big blow,” he told Onua FM’s Auguster Boateng.

He has thus pleaded with the AMA to allow his artifacts to stand until the commemoration is over in order for Ghanaians to be empowered to prevent such a catastrophe from recurring.

He explained to Onua FM that the use of the polyethylene bags was to draw the attention of Ghanaians to good sanitary practices.

He explained it is also emphasis the fact that those plastics could generate money if properly disposed off as against their indiscriminate littering that causes disaster whenever it rains.

“We have been suffering as a nation for a long time when it comes to rainfall disasters. And it is this same garbage that chocks our drains and causes the floods. Whenever this happens NADMO comes in to present to victims some relief items. But will these things bring the dead and properties worth millions back?” he asked.By-tv3network