By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu 

Keta (VR) May 14, GNA-Mr James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister has inaugurated a seven-member committee to investigate issues related to reclaimed land abuses at Adzido, Kedzi, Vodza and Keta Central in the Municipality. 

This move comes after several allegations and accusations from the public against former government appointees and party members of sharing and selling the reclaimed land among themselves.  

Mr Gunu in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said the committee chaired by Dr Joe Attipoe, a renowned Lawyer, was mandated and tasked to investigate the various roles played by the Keta Municipal Assembly, stakeholders, and individuals in the land transactions and the building of the structures. 

“The committee has been given a one-month deadline to present their findings and recommendations to the Volta Regional Coordinating Council for the next line of action, and all must support them for a successful job,” he said. 

The Regional Minister expressed concerns about the mismanagements of the reclaimed land and emphasised the need for responsible land use, tasking the Keta municipal assembly to utilise other resources of the area to protect and serve the interest and benefit of the public and the nation. 

 Meanwhile the committee’s investigation, which commenced on May 13 is expected to end on June 13. 

Mr Gunu said that the seven-member committee, which comprised experts in various fields, including land management, law, and urban planning, would investigate the issues and present their findings within the stipulated timeframe and their recommendations would be implemented without fear or favour. 

“The Keta reclaimed land has been a subject of concern for some period now, with many stakeholders calling for investigation and responsible land use and the inauguration of this committee is a step towards addressing the issues to ensure that the land is used as planned on paper.” 

Dr Joe Attipoe, the Chairman of the Committee, assured the Regional Minister, the assembly and the public that the committee would work diligently to honour the confidence reposed in them and promised that the committee’s findings would be presented within the given timeframe. 

Mr Wisdom Seade, the Keta Municipal Chief Executive, told the GNA that the Assembly’s directives to halt all development projects and demand for all documents covering the possession of the reclaimed land by all developers was to pave way for proper investigation into how the land was acquired by individuals and groups of people. 

He said May 14, would be the deadline for all who have any portion of the land to submit their documents and others for redress before their continuation of any project on the reclaimed land after an announcement was made on April 23, for all to comply with the directives within the period. 

He urged the public to collaborate with the committee and provide all necessary information that could aid in proper investigation for appropriate recommendations. 

The other committee members are Mr Gilbert Kwabla Quashie, a Land Commissioner, Togbi Dallah Anini IV, an Educationist, Dr Stanislaus Yaw Adiaba, Land Economist and Lecturer, Mr Wonder Japheth Sallah, Surveyor, Ms Mary Agbemava, an Auditor, and Mr Wisdom Agbo.  

Some residents the GNA interacted with expressed satisfaction about the inauguration of the committee, which was described as a significant step towards addressing the allegations, speculation and accusations surrounding the reclaimed land in Keta and the call for collaboration and transparency would also help to ensure that the investigation was thorough and effective. 

GNA 

MA/LKA