Residents of the East Airport Regimanuel Estate are raising serious concerns over the illegal occupation of a road reservation near their enclave, which they say has turned into a hub of illicit activities and a major safety hazard.
The issue stems from the unauthorized establishment of Beirut Café, a coffee shop allegedly operated by ‘middle east origins’, which has not only trespassed on public land but also disrupted the peace of the gated community.
According to Michael Owusu, General Manager of Regimanuel Estates, the café sits illegally within a road reservation along Flowerpot Road in Accra, dangerously close to the main road.
He described the structure as a “walking illegality”, emphasizing that such intrusion should not be permitted under any circumstance, including the unnecessary revving of powerful motorbikes as part of their nuisance activities.
“There is a very big problem that is unfortunately festering and rearing its ugly head within the confines of Flowerpot Road in Accra. Right at the junction where one would alight to enter the East Airport Regimanuel Estate, some unscrupulous people have established Beirut Café, a coffee café, and its proximity to the road is a walking illegality or a living illegality. This is because that portion is supposed to be a road reservation, which should not warrant or allow anyone to put up a structure so close to the road,” Owusu lamented.
The presence of the café has triggered multiple concerns among homeowners, many of whom are retired professionals who had hoped to enjoy a peaceful environment.
Residents say the establishment has attracted an influx of commercial motorcyclists, commonly known as okada riders, as well as sex workers, creating an atmosphere that is both unsafe and unsuitable for the community.
“Decent, hardworking people, individuals who have sacrificed for the country and now in the twilight of their years, only want to relax and enjoy the small pension they have acquired and the small peace of mind they wish to establish. However, this edifice called Beirut Café has attracted all types of illicit behaviors, including ladies of the night, loitering Okada riders, and, worst of all, continuous accidents due to its location right within the road reservation at Flowerpot,” he stated.
Beyond the social disturbances, safety remains a primary worry. With Beirut Café positioned so close to the road, accidents have become a regular occurrence, endangering both motorists and pedestrians.
The Homeowner’s Association has petitioned the Ledzokuku Municipal Assembly (LEKMA), demanding the removal of the café. According to Owusu, a meeting was held between residents, the assembly, and the café owner, during which it was confirmed that no official permit had been issued for the structure. Yet, despite this revelation, the café remains in operation, raising concerns about regulatory failure.
“Flowerpot, being this wonderful development that has opened up the whole transport system in the area, has now become a source of concern. Some people are even wishing it had never occurred because unscrupulous individuals are now taking advantage of the perceived traffic and openness that has resulted from the expansion of the road. They are engaging in behaviors that negatively affect the quality of life of the 568 homes in the Regimanuel Estates in the East Airport enclave,” he added.
Frustrated by the lack of response from local authorities, the Homeowners Association has now escalated the matter to the Ministry of Roads and Highways. However, their pleas for intervention have so far been ignored.
It is a great concern because there is increased traffic with no traffic management, affecting the quality of life of the citizens in this enclave. We are being disturbed by people who are not even Ghanaians. It is not fair,” he stated.
