Prime lands sold to private and public sector developers

Accra, Nov. 7, GNA - Government offered for sale through public bidding 53 plots that had dilapidated bungalows sitting on large plots of prime land in the Airport, Ridge and other residential areas of Accra.

The intention of the scheme is to raise the density of these areas by building to specific guidelines and at the same time provide Government enough funds for construction of new replacement bungalows. Dr Charles Brempong-Yeboah, Deputy Minister of Works and Housing, said this on Friday when he appeared before Parliament to answer two urgent questions and two ordinary ones by Members of the House. Ms Akua Sena Dansua, NDC- North Dayi, whose question was asked on her behalf by Mr Francis Agbotse, NDC-Ho West, wanted to know the beneficiaries of lands sold by Government in the Airport, Ridge and other residential areas of Accra were.

Dr Brempong-Yeboah said the origins of the sale of some dilapidated Government bungalows in Accra started from 1991 when the Town Planning Department with the Support of the UNCH's Habitat, prepared the Accra Strategic Plan.

He said one of the recommendations of the Strategic Plan was the divestiture through the sale of some dilapidated bungalows sitting on large plots of prime land to private and public sector developers. Dr Brempong-Yeboah said in the first phase, 53 plots were offered for sale through the public bidding process and 39 of the successful bidders honoured their commitments.

The remaining 14 defaulted and these plots were subsequently re-offered to new bidders in 2001 and 2002.

The last stage of phase one involving the sale of nine plots was carried out in June 2003 in which 41 bidders competed.

Mr John Mahama, NDC- Bole asked whether the bungalows on the plots were affected and the Minister said the bungalows were dilapidated ones and had to give way for modern structures.

Dr Maj. Mustapha Ahmed, NDC- Ayawaso East, asked why the Minister was not specific on those who bought the lands and the Minister said the list of beneficiaries and amount paid was available for members' scrutiny.