Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has expressed outrage over private developers’ persistent efforts to evict civil servants from state lands and bungalows. He specifically highlighted the handing over of a 10-acre parcel of land belonging to the Department of Parks and Gardens to a private developer without consideration for the property’s environmental significance.
Ablakwa described the situation as “organised state capture” and vowed that his side of the House will demand a public hearing to hold accountable those responsible for the use of state lands and assets. “We will summon everyone involved, including those selling, buying, and fronting for others, to appear before the House in a live broadcast, public hearing,” he emphasized.
The MP stressed the urgency of addressing this issue, particularly the loss of green spaces like Parks and Gardens, which has been preserved since 1952. “Why should we lose our horticultural zone, the only one left in the capital?” he questioned.
This development comes after the Department of Parks and Gardens warned private developers against encroaching on its land last month. The department had vowed to take action against unauthorized structures erected on its property, following reports of land encroachment in the Upper West region.
Dr. Kingsford Adams, Director of the Department of Parks and Gardens, reiterated the seriousness of these encroachments and the department’s determination to reclaim the land. He expressed concern over the lack of proper documentation for these constructions, alleging that developers exploit the absence of oversight during nights and weekends to engage in illegal activities.
The department has vowed to demolish all structures built on its land without proper documentation, including fuel stations, houses, and high-rise buildings.
