University Farms Workers in near clash with encroachers

Ashalley Botwe (GAR), Nov 4, GNA - It took the Police almost two hours to restore peace between workers of University of Ghana Agricultural Research Centre at Ashalley Botwe near Madina in the Ga West District and a group of land developers believed to be from Nungua. The near confrontation, which could have led to bloodshed, started when about 50 people arrived on the outskirts of the centre in vehicles and started clearing the land with a grader for real estate development. Sources close to the centre speaking to the GNA said the group started trespassing on the land about three weeks ago.

They said all attempts by the authorities to stop them proved futile and the workers in an attempt to halt their action nearly resulted in the clash, which was prevented by the timely arrival of the Police from Madina who have confirmed the incident.

Officials of the centre have informed the University authorities and Teachers Educational Workers Union (TEWU) but no action had been taken. According to the workers about hundred acres of the land had already been graded and appealed to the authorities to take immediate steps to protect the University land meant for livestock and poultry research, teaching and training of farmers.

They stated that if immediate steps were not taken the land would be encroached upon by private developers just like the Katamanso Farms of the University.