Ghana's Effia-Kwesimintsim Assembly demolishes structures on Mpatado Model School land

The Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipal Assembly (EKMA) has demolished structures constructed on land belonging to the Mpatado Model School in Ghana's Western Region, as part of measures to protect public lands and enforce planning regulations in the municipality.

The demolition followed concerns over the encroachment of private developments on land designated for educational purposes, with the Assembly warning developers against undertaking construction works without the requisite permits.

Mr Majeed Dokurgu, the Municipal Chief Executive, said the Assembly would sanction the development of structures on school lands and urged residents to desist from unauthorised construction. He expressed concern about what he described as growing indiscipline among developers, particularly in Assakae, Whindo and Effia, saying the trend could undermine planned development and deprive communities of land reserved for public infrastructure.

Mr Dokurgu explained that the building permit process enables the Assembly to assess proposed developments, guide developers on appropriate land use and ensure that construction conforms to approved planning schemes. He said developers who had started construction without the necessary approvals should approach the Assembly to regularise their documents, warning that structures that contravened planning regulations could be demolished.

He dismissed claims that the Assembly had granted approval for the structures demolished on the Mpatado Model School land, stating that it would not issue a permit for private development on land specifically reserved for educational purposes. He advised residents to verify the status and approved use of land with the Assembly before purchasing or developing it, to avoid losing their investments through enforcement actions.