The University of Ghana (UG) has formally engaged the National Security to counter continuous encroachment and harassment on its legally acquired land at Borteyman.
The move follows a distress call made by the University to the security agency concerning a recent series of reported acts of vandalism and assault on the site by unknown persons, some of whom allegedly claimed to be operating under the authority of National Security.
A joint delegation, including the Vice-Chancellor of UG, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, and the Director of Operations for National Security, Mr. Richard Jakpa, visited the site to ascertain the facts and begin a thorough investigation.
The latest incident of harassment occurred as the University sought to develop the land for staff accommodation.
The current conflict centres on land leased to the University of Ghana for 200 years by the government, establishing it as protected state property.
The dispute intensified after 2018 when the university leased a section to the then Ministry of Youth and Sports for the construction of the Boteyman Sports Complex.
The construction of the complex and new access roads opened up the area, leading to an increase in attempted land encroachment.
The UG recently concluded an agreement with a company, Fellow Limited Company, to construct 26 blocks of apartments totalling 208 residential units in exchange for a portion of the land for the project.
Mr. Ernest Boakye, Deputy Director of the Physical Development and Municipal Service Directorate at UG, provided a historical overview of the land, stating that the University was originally leased 945.827 acres.
“The northern portion was for investment, while the southern part was earmarked for the Department of Economic Development, housing a Livestock and Poultry Research Centre. We’ve been in peaceful occupation and enjoyment of this land since then until 2019.”
“The current wave of attacks and rival claims followed the government’s acquisition of a portion of the land to construct the Sports Complex for the 2023 African Games and the construction of the road linking School Junction to the motorway.”
Mr. Boakye stressed that the University possesses all necessary documentation proving its bona fide ownership of the land.
Mr. Boakye said that since the construction company mobilised to the site, they have been “constantly harassed by unknown people.
In response to the reported impersonation and assaults, Mr. Richard Jakpa, Director of Operations, National Security, confirmed his presence to investigate the allegations.
“I am here to make it clear that I’m from National Security, that of special operations, and I am here to ascertain the facts of the allegations and the assaults.” Mr. Jakpa stated.
He vowed that his office would look at the perpetrators who claim to be coming from national security who had assaulted them and preventing them from performing their duty.
Mr. Jakpa assured the University that the investigation will be done thoroughly, and those who are culpable will be dealt with.
Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, expressed gratitude for the prompt response from National Security, noting their full cooperation which culminated in the morning’s site meeting.
“The University of Ghana is the bona fide owner of this land, and we will work together with national security and the government to ensure that we have peaceful occupation of this land,” she said.
Professor Amfo, highlighted the importance of securing the land to continue the construction of the 208 staff apartments which is critical in promoting staff welfare and safety.
GNA
