GaDangmes Issue Stiff Conditions for Land Acquisition

The GaDangme Council on Sunday called for the repeal or review of several acts on land in their area saying their lands are not for sale and measures should be taken to stop such sales.

It noted that the lands of Greater Accra have been compulsorily acquired for public use and purposes, at times through discriminatory laws.

At a meeting with GaDangme chiefs and Parliamentarians, the Council said it wants the immediate repeal of the Protection of Purchasers Act and the Ada-Songhor Lagoon site for salt industry act.

A statement issued in Accra said they also decided at a meeting held at Dodowa on February 8, to demand the immediate review of the Administration of Lands Act (1962).

The statement said they were demanding payment for all monies, which should have been paid annually for lands acquired for public purposes, but were not honoured.

It said all lands acquired compulsorily in the public interest but have been misapplied and given to private entrepreneurs should revert to the owners.

The statement said the GaDangmes were also calling for "the restitution of all lands on which leases have expired and for which some authorities have arrogated to themselves the right to re-allocate to other people or companies without reference to the owners."

It said rents and unpaid compensation for the Teshie-Nungua Estate 32 years ago must be paid immediately and the land reverted to the original owners.

"All lands which were acquired for industrial areas and public corporations and which have now been illegally passed on to private companies after divestiture should be given back to the owners."

The statement said the Tema Development Corporation should immediately pay to the Tema, Kpone and Nungua stools rent since 1956.

"The Ada people have irrevocably taken over the Songhor Salt Project and the government's entitlement to 10 per cent share of the salt won is guaranteed."

The statement said the further acquisition of lands in Yilo and Manya Krobo areas should cease forthwith.

It said their research shows that the nature and extent of acquisition and misuse of GaDangme lands and the non-use of their language was making the people "an endangered species"

"These developments are affecting the development of GaDangmes and making the youth restive."