Management of the Ghana Water Company in the Ashanti Region is alleged to have failed to occupy three bungalows built in replacement of buildings earmarked for demolition.
Our investigations have revealed the acre of land on which the old bungalow sits is captured under 400 acres of land ceded to the Asantehene, which came with a planned relocation.
Further checks at the Lands Commission show the Ghana Water Company is unable to show proof of ownership to the property.
Disgruntled workers of the Ghana Water Limited in the Ashanti region draped in red headgear and armbands vented their displeasure at what they describe as ‘unlawful’ demolition of property occupied by their top management.
Fence walls and other structures at the residences of the company’s regional managers have been pulled down and two bungalows reduced to rubbles.
Surrounding lands have also been cleared and are expected to be re-developed with five other residences marked for demolition by an alleged private developer.
Vice Chair of the Senior Staff Association of the Ghana Water Limited in Ashanti, Emmanuel Okpoti Kodiah spoke to the media during an inspection of the demolished properties.
Recently, we witnessed the unnecessary demolition of two Directors’ fence walls of their Bungalows and Boys quarters, which raises serious questions about the procedures and respect that should govern our operations. These properties are not merely structures; they represent the hard work, dedication, and commitment of our leadership to this organization,” he said.
But checks have revealed occupants of two hundred bungalows on the four hundred acres of land retained by the Asantehene were to be relocated into newly constructed ones.
According to the sources, the land was retained by the traditional authority due to the colonial government’s failure to compensate for eight hundred acres of land.
In a letter written to affected public agencies, the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council communicated a Public-Private Partnership agreement to replace the affected bungalows.
But the aggrieved water company staff have denied knowledge of the allocation of three completed bungalows to replace the ones earmarked for demolition, though letters have been served to that effect.
Let us put on record that under no circumstances or occasion has the region received any communication from Head Office to cede the lands to the developers in question. Communication from the Regional Coordinating Council to the region was asked to be communicated to its Head Office, which they did. This procedure clearly shows that they know what ought to have to be done,” said Emmanuel Okpoti Kodiah.
Some heads of other government agencies have picked up keys to their completed bungalows from the Regional Coordinating Council.
But the Ghana Water Company has refused the keys to the completed bungalows, threatening a withdrawal of services within the next 48 hours if the vandalized properties are not restored.
