Residents of the Hofedo Electoral Area in the Ho Municipality are raising serious concerns over the construction of a new gas station situated directly behind their homes, particularly near the Church of Pentecost along the C.K. Road to Da Abra stretch.

The community, in a petition to city authorities, is demanding immediate intervention to halt the project, which they say poses a grave risk to their safety and violates their right to a secure living environment.

According to the residents, plans for a filling station at the site were first introduced about five years ago.

At the time, officers from the Town and Country Planning Department briefed them on the proposal, but following community objections, the project was abandoned — or so they thought.

To their surprise, construction has resumed in recent weeks, with most of the work allegedly taking place under the cover of darkness, sparking further suspicion and unease among locals.

“This development infringes on our civil liberties and puts our lives and properties at risk,” one resident stated.

“We are calling on the Ho Municipal Assembly and relevant authorities to step in before it’s too late.”

In response to the growing anxiety, the Ho Municipal Chief Executive, Stephen Adom, assured residents in an exclusive interview that the Assembly is taking the matter seriously and will conduct a thorough investigation to ensure the safety and interests of all stakeholders are protected.

Meanwhile, the owner of the gas station project, Mr. David Debre, has defended the construction, stating that he has acquired all the necessary permits from the appropriate regulatory bodies prior to commencing work.

The situation remains tense as residents await a resolution, with calls growing louder for city officials to prioritise community safety over private business interests.