News
Shai Osudoku Assembly not forcibly taking lands for construction of Dodowa market
The Shai Osudoku District Assembly in the Greater Accra Region would not forcibly take over anyone’s land for the construction of the Dodowa market.
However, any family or individual whose property falls within the construction zone and have valid proof of ownership would be adequately compensated, the District Chief Executive (DCE), Daniel Akuffo, has said.
According to him, “Ghana has both statutory and customary land tenure systems that run together, adding Article 267 of the 1992 Constitution makes it clear that chiefs and family heads are the custodians of such lands and have authority to enforce right and obligation to any land that has been granted”.
Mr Akuffo said these at a media briefing on Thursday at Dodowa to highlight the assembly’s position on the re-construction of the Dodowa market following media reports that the assembly has forcibly taken over land belonging to the people to construct the market.
The assembly, he explained shall, under no circumstance deny any rightful owner of a piece of land in the Dodowa market.
“As a public institution regulated by legal framework, we are to ensure that payment of any public money to a third party for whatever purpose, must follow provisions of the Public Financial Management Act 2016, Act 921, the Public Financial Management Regulation 2019, LI 2378 and other related enactments,” he added.
Mr Akuffo stated that payments of compensation cannot be made unless all the processes were exhausted and all encumbrances cleared for the compulsory acquisition of the site measuring 16.680 acres pending the issuance of the Executive Instrument (EI) by government for the payment of the compensation.
The DCE said funding had been secured to transform the aged market into a modern one that would serve the interest of the people, as such this opportunity must not be lost.
He therefore advised those peddling falsehood and hoisting red flags around the market to desist from such acts and submit their documents for processes of verification and payment to begin.
Mr Akuffo also denied any knowledge about crop compensation but promised to pay when the right documents were presented.
“All temporal permits issued for container placement has been revoked and stressing that no money has been collected by the assembly for stores allocation on the yet to be constructed market,” he added.
Mr Akuffo urged property owners to stop engaging criminals as land guards and warned that anyone caught would not be spared adding, “no one would be allowed to use personal interest to disturb the peace the area was enjoying.
FROM LAWRENCE VOMAFA -AKPALU, DODOWA
Minority Leader in parliament, Alexander Osahen Afenyo Markin has raised concerns about the direction of the country one year after the 2024 general election, warning that Ghana’s democracy may be under threat if current governance trends are not checked.
In a statement reflecting on the year since Ghanaians voted for change, he noted that while the New Patriotic Party hoped for victory, the people chose differently and the outcome was respected as the will of the electorate.
He stressed that winning power comes with responsibility and not the freedom to govern without caution.
The Minority Leader argued that the removal of key public officials reflected a worrying pattern.
These included the dismissal of workers from state institutions, the exit of the Chief Justice, and ongoing processes affecting the Electoral Commission leadership and the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
He described the development as retribution rather than renewal and questioned the government’s promises on jobs and the 24 hour economy.
Addressing President John Dramani Mahama directly, he urged him to use his rare second return to office to build a legacy of development rather than removals.
He explained that global history shows that leaders who return to power after defeat are few, stressing that such an opportunity should lead to transformation that benefits citizens.
He encouraged the President to invest in technology, artificial intelligence and modern economic growth models to position Ghana for global competition.
He warned that no country will wait for Ghana while others advance through digital innovation.
The statement further pointed to youth unemployment and frustration, noting that campaign foot soldiers who worked hard during elections have been left disappointed.
He warned that ignoring young people could lead to instability.
He urged the media to uphold its watchdog duty by speaking up against constitutional breaches rather than seeking comfort in silence.
He explained that the Minority wants the government to succeed because national progress benefits everyone, not only one political side.
The Minority Leader maintained that although democracy is not perfect, it remains the best system since it allows peaceful correction through elections.
He encouraged citizens to trust the ballot and not violence.
He encouraged President Mahama to resist party hawks and focus on national development, stating that the world is watching how Ghana uses this moment in history.
He called on leaders across the political divide to remember they are custodians of the Republic and must work to protect the nation’s democratic future.
He concluded by urging young people not to lose hope, stressing that change comes through democratic processes, and reminding all leaders that Ghana’s stability depends on responsible governance, unity and development oriented action.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central Kwame Asare Obeng, widely known as A Plus, is calling on young people to take hypertension seriously by checking their blood pressure regularly and taking prescribed medication to prevent sudden deaths and stroke.
In a message shared to the public, the MP noted that cases of young people dying from high blood pressure are rising, even though the condition is preventable.
He mentioned that many refuse to go for checkups, and those who later discover they have hypertension still stop or avoid taking their medication.
He expressed worry that some men refuse treatment because they believe blood pressure drugs affect their sexual performance, a belief he described as misleading.
A Plus stressed that staying alive and healthy should be the priority, adding that complications from uncontrolled hypertension could lead to stroke and long term disability.
He encouraged the youth, especially men, to get their blood pressure tested and take treatment seriously to protect their health and future.
A Plus urged the public to spread the message so more people will take action on their health.
By: Jacob Aggrey
