Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Mr. Mike Hammah has ordered the halt of an ongoing project on lands belonging to the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC).
In an official tour to the encroached lands been developed into a proposed shopping mall and hotel, Mr. Hammah ordered the Lands Commission and the Ga South Municipal Assembly to stop the developers from further construction, as his Ministry investigates the matter.
Even though there is an injunction order from the lands court restraining the developers Clemence Gyato, to stop work, they are adamant and continue to work on the project claiming they have title deeds to the land.
Clemence Gyato have hired a Chinese construction company who are undertaking the proposed shopping mall and hotel on the piece of land.
The Minister who was visibly alarmed by the extent of encroachment by the developers said he is instituting a fact finding mission to have a second look at the project.
He said he is baffled as to why a developer who does not have a building and project permit will be allowed to commence work on a project whose impart would affect the GAEC.
He said it is unacceptable that lands acquired by the state through Executive Instrument (EI) are been encroached upon with impunity, indicating that his Ministry will not tolerate such negative practice.
He noted that beneficiary agencies of such lands should be proactive in the safeguarding of such lands through institution of sanctioning regimes.
Major Samuel Kuleke Head of Security of GAEC told The Enquirer that about 30% of the total land of about 2000 acres belonging to the GAEC has been encroached upon.
A similar visit by the Minister to the Weija Irrigation Project earlier also revealed that out of the estimated 7000 acres of land belonging to the state, only 562 acres has remained as a result of encroachment.
Mr. Hammah again expressed worry of the extent of encroachment and directed the officials in charge to take pragmatic steps to protect the state lands.
He assured that he will liaise with the Agriculture Minister to formulate a long term plan for lands belonging to the Weija Irrigation Project.
Steven Fianu Project Manager of the Weija Irrigation attributed the problem to chiefs who sell the lands claiming it belongs to them.
Source: The Enquirer
