Shai-Osudoku landowners likely to lose property

Estate developers and individuals who have acquired plots of land in any part of the Shai-Osudoku District, particularly within the Doryumu area, without making enquiries about the lands at the assembly are likely to lose them.

Additionally, buildings or other structures on the lands are also going to be demolished and the owners surcharged for the cost of demolition.

This has come about because large tracts of the land set aside for the construction of social amenities, as well as portions which are within a military zone, have been encroached upon.

Land rush

There has been a rush for land over the past five years in the area, particularly at Doryumu, Kodiabe and Dodowa, the three main towns in Shai-Osudoku, because of their proximity to Tema. It is suspected that many of the developers, especially individuals who have purchased lands  without enquiring from the Planning Department of the assembly, do not know the status of the land.

What is more disturbing is that most of the buildings have been put up in haste and therefore  pose both security and tragic risks.

Batter trade

It is also believed that because there is poverty among the people, a plot of land could be sold for as low as GH¢1,000. At Asebi, a hamlet near Doryumu, information received is that landowners were exchanging their lands for over-used private cars.

At a meeting with a group of elders from the Doryumu palace, led by Nokotoma Tei Djangba at Dodowa last weekend, the District Planning Officer for Shai Osudoku, Mr Diand Cosam Braim, described the development as alarming.

He said the assembly would soon carry out a demarcation exercise after which structures on government vested lands would be demolished and the owners surcharged with the cost of demolition.

Mr Cosam Braim, therefore, asked developers to contact his outfit in respect of any land purchased to avoid the unpleasant situation of pulling down properties as had been happening in other parts of the country, especially in Accra and Tema.

“We cannot sit down unconcerned for the situation to get out of control before we act. The best thing for any developer to do is to find out from us whether the plots they acquire are not state lands,” he said.

Nokotoma Tei Djangba, who was worried about the situation, later paid a visit to the District Chief Executive, Mr Emmanuel Lartey. He also expressed worry over the situation and said it had now become difficult for the assembly to get land in the communities for the construction of social amenities.

“The population of the area is increasing and we do not expect private developers to encroach on government land earmarked for the construction of social amenities,” Mr Lartey stated.

He called on all interest groups, especially chiefs, to help preserve government lands for the construction of social amenities for the communities.