MiDA signs agreement with Lands Commission

The Millennium Development Authority (MiDA) has signed an Implementing Entity Agreement (IEA) with the Lands Commission for the acquisition of 15.6 acres of land at Pokuase for the construction of a Bulk Supply Point (BSP) Sub-station.

Under the IEA, MiDA would provide One Million Ghana cedis to the Lands Commission for payment of compensation and administrative purposes under the implementation of the Compact II of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).

MiDA would also facilitate the work of the Lands Commission by providing tools and logistics, including; vehicles and computers, as well as office and survey equipment to ensure timely execution of tasks related to the Compact.

At the signing of the IEA in Accra, on Wednesday, Mr Martin Eson-Benjamin, the Chief Executive Officer of MiDA said on completion of the BSP Substation, it would be the largest in the country, which would benefit the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and GRIDCo in distribution and transmission networks.

He said it would improve power supply at Pokuase, Achimota, Nsawam, Kwabenya and surrounding communities in the Greater Accra Region.

Mr Eson-Benjamin said through the Lands Commission’s support, ECG had been given the formal right-of-entry to the site in Pokuase, to commence preparatory works towards the design and construction of the Sub-station.

He said land acquisition was a major pillar in ensuring the implementation of the Compact and MiDA would continue to receive dedicated and timely assistance from the Lands Commission in acquisition of lands and payment of compensation in Accra and Northern Electricity Distribution Company’s (NEDCo) operational areas in the north.

As part of the IEA, the Lands Commission was supposed to facilitate land documentation searches, statutory land acquisition, land survey and mapping, as well as development of site plans, valuation of property for payment of compensation, land title registration and acquisition of Leases for acquired lands in the Northern Region.

Mr. Eson-Benjamin acknowledged the support and guidance of the Lands Commission in land-related issues, which ensured the successful implementation of the Compact I projects.

He said land acquisition, evaluation and payment of compensation were strategic and critical activities towards successful implementation of infrastructure projects under the Compact.

Government of Ghana and the United States of America signed the Compact II, which the former would receive US$498 million dollars to support the improvement of its power sector.

Dr. Wilfred Anim-Odame, the Executive Secretary of the Lands Commission, on his part, expressed joy for the opportunity to collaborate with MiDA for the second time having successfully supported the implementation of the Compact I.

He gave the assurance that, the Commission had the necessary structures, competencies and expertise to deliver the objectives of the Compact II to engender economic growth and alleviate poverty.

Mr Kenneth James Miller, the Resident Country Director of the Millennium Challenge Corporation, who witnessed the signing of the IEA, said the implementation of the Compact II was behind schedule and urged key stakeholders involved in the implementation to expedite action to ensure a smooth take-off.

He expressed optimism that, Lands Commission would deliver to the expectation of MCC and other key stakeholders and, thus, stressed the need for good communication among the key implementing institutions.