- Minister assures protection of Parks & Gardens Department lands.
- Ministry pursuing secure titles for lands without documentation.
- Valid Certificates of Allocation retrieved for lands in Cantonments & Wa.
- No encroachment allowed except for intended purposes.
Minister of Local Government and Decentralisation, Martin Kwaku Adjei-Mensah Korsah, has assured Parliament that his Ministry will vigorously protect all lands belonging to the Department of Parks and Gardens. He made this statement in response to a question posed by North Tongu lawmaker, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, on July 4.
Ablakwa had asked about the Ministry’s efforts to protect lands belonging to the Department of Parks and Gardens in Accra and other parts of Ghana, given recent claims by private developers. The Minister revealed that he is actively pursuing the matter, engaging stakeholders to secure titles for lands without documentation.
Regarding the specific case in Cantonments, the Minister explained that the claimant failed to produce documentation after taking the matter to court. The court dismissed the case, and the claimant did not re-enter with proper documentation. However, the Department of Parks and Gardens has a valid Certificate of Allocation for the land, dated October 2, 1952.
The Minister also mentioned that the Certificate of Allocation for the Department’s land in Wa, dated November 27, 1975, has been retrieved from the Lands Commission. The Ministry has served notice to reclaim encroached lands in the Upper West Region and other areas.
The Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority (LUSPA) had cautioned the public in 2022 to avoid using the land for private development purposes. The Ministry is working with LUSPA to ensure developers adhere to planning and development permitting processes through the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies.
The Minister emphasized that green belts, gardens, and parks cannot be altered without Parliament’s approval, as per the Land Use and Spatial Planning Act, 2016 (Act 925) and its Regulations, as well as the Local Governance Act, 2016 (936).
He assured Parliament that the Ministry will protect all lands belonging to the Department of Parks and Gardens, preventing encroachment except for purposes for which they were acquired by the Government of Ghana.
The Minister’s assurance comes as a relief to concerns about the protection of public lands. The Department of Parks and Gardens plays a crucial role in maintaining green spaces, and the Ministry’s commitment to safeguarding its lands is essential.
The Minister’s statement also highlights the importance of proper documentation and adherence to planning and development regulations. The Ministry’s collaboration with LUSPA and other stakeholders aims to ensure responsible land use and development.
The Minister’s assurance demonstrates the Government’s commitment to protecting public lands and promoting responsible development practices. The Ministry’s efforts will help preserve green spaces and ensure sustainable development in Ghana.
