Lands Commission demolishes Tamale Metropolitan school

The Lands Commission has pulled down the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly Girls Primary School, the only girl's school in the metropolis, and number of houses belonging to retired soldiers at the Old-Kaladan barracks in the Northern regional capital.
The demolition exercise was undertaken by the Commission under the supervision of heavily armed military personnel in what many residents in the metropolis describe as insensitive and inhumane.

Acording to Myjoyonline.com, the Lands Commission authorities say the demolition exercise is to pave way for a redevelopment programme in the metropolis.

Authorities of the primary school, which has a student population of more than 200, said the incident marks an end of the school and they have advised parents and guardians to look elsewhere to take their wards when schools re-open in three weeks across the nation.

Headmaster of the school, Joseph Abayarouk, said although the Lands Commission served notice for the demolition, it was too short for the school's management to take measures.

"When they brought a reminder [about the demolition], I equally informed my superiors about the exercise", indicating adequate attention was not given by the Ghana Education Service (GES).

As a result the building has been totally razed down now.

The demolition exercise also hit houses belonging to veterans in the metropolis.

The Tamale District Chairman of Veteran's Association of Ghana (VAG), Major Rtd Alhassan Jetumah, said although reasons given in the demolition notice are laudable, the action by the Lands Commission is callous.

He said as a result a lot of the demolition, veterans are hanging and struggling to find a place to lay their heads.

However, part of the notice stated, according to Hashmin, that the purpose of the exercise is to realise the potential of Kaladan barracks lands through proper planning.

The statement from the Commission also notes the exercise is to de-congest the central business district of Tamale to make it a first class commercial hub, a gateway to the metropolis and give the city a face lift.

Source: Myjoyonline.com