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“All temporal permits issued for container placement has been revoked and stressing that no money has been collected by the assembly for stores allocation on the yet to be constructed market,” he added.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
News
Gomoa West: NPP, NDC supporters clash over commissioning of DRIP equipment
Supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Monday morning clashed over the commissioning of machinery for the District Road Infrastructure Project in the Gomoa West District of the Central Region.
According to Citi News sources, the conflict began when NDC supporters questioned the decision to display images of Bismark Basie Nkum, the NPP’s Gomoa West parliamentary candidate on the DRIP machinery.
This disagreement quickly escalated, almost leading to a physical altercation between the two groups.
Baisie Nkum, who doubles as the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Gomoa West, further claimed that the Member of Parliament for the area, Richard Gyan Mensah, brandished a pistol and issued threats against the NPP’s local leadership.
A viral video circulating on social media captured the DCE accusing MP Richard Gyan Mensah of pulling out a gun and threatening NPP supporters during the heated incident.
Source: Citinewsroom.com
News
Why should you resist calls for forensic audit? – Alan quizzes EC
Founder of Moment for Change, Alan Kyerematen, has advised the Electoral Commission (EC) to address concerns identified by political parties ahead of the December elections.
According to him, the commission has the mandate to conduct free and fair elections and must ensure that all stakeholders trust the system. If concerns are raised about the process, he said the EC should work to clear any doubts in the minds of the people.
His comments were in response to whether the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) request for a forensic audit of the register.
Mr. Kyerematen stated that the NDC, being a major stakeholder, has pointed out certain discrepancies. Therefore, the EC has the responsibility to prove that it is committed to running a free and fair election.
Speaking on JoyNews’ News Desk on September 16, he said “For the sake of ensuring the integrity of the elections, to respond to the specific cases that have been identified about irregularities in the voters’ register.
“It only goes to enhance the credibility of the commission. Yes. It [ forensic audit] has to be. I am not sure why there should be a resistance to that. Because, yes the Electoral Commission has indicated that they have responded to those comments.
“But we have to put all reasonable doubt. There is a need to have a credible voters register. So if there is an indication that there is still doubt associated with the electoral register, then let us allow an extensive comprehensive audit, which can be done without any difficulty,” he said.
The presidential aspirants said this would help improve perception about the credibility of the EC.
Mr Kyerematen said although the EC has an incredible track record in Africa, there is a need to ensure that their reputation remains intact.
Additionally, he said the election management body has the responsibility to prove that the electoral register is clean and has no basis for complaints.
“It is only through an audit that this could happen.” he said.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
