Kwabena Ampofo Appiah, the Managing Director of the State Housing Company (SHC), has delivered a shocking revelation regarding the disappearance of a substantial portion of lands acquired by Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah. Appiah’s disclosure brings to light that approximately 80% of the lands acquired by Nkrumah in Adenta, Accra, have vanished, while nearly 60% of the lands acquired in Koforidua, the Eastern Regional capital, are also unaccounted for.
In an exclusive interview with Vim Lady on OKAY FM, Appiah shared the disheartening news and provided insights into the extent of this land loss crisis. He emphasized that his role as the MD of State Housing has exposed the dire nature of the situation, making it clear that this issue is not localized to Adenta and Koforidua alone – it is a nationwide predicament.
Appiah expressed his concern over the absence of a comprehensive database to monitor government-owned lands, which has significantly contributed to this disheartening scenario. To counteract this challenge, he outlined the proactive steps taken by the State Housing Company to combat the problem, including the initiation of a digitization project. This initiative’s primary objective is to create a digital repository of the assets, thereby fortifying their preservation for future generations and preventing further losses.
Recognizing the collaborative efforts of local chiefs and individuals who have contributed lands for various purposes, Appiah emphasized the critical importance of meticulous documentation. He believes that comprehensive records will play a pivotal role in safeguarding the lands from encroachments and misappropriations, ensuring their protection for the coming years.
The revelation of the substantial loss of lands acquired by Kwame Nkrumah casts a spotlight on the necessity of robust land management practices, transparency, and the adoption of digital record-keeping systems. As Ghana endeavours to uphold its historical heritage and strategize for its future development, the State Housing Company’s proactive measures to secure lands for future generations serve as a crucial step toward preventing the recurrence of such significant losses.