The Okaikwei North Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Honourable Christian Tetteh Badger, on Wednesday 16th July 2025 led a coordinated exercise involving the Police and the Assemblys task force to demolish illegal structures erected on public lands in the Abofu community.
The demolition, which included the pulling down of a perimeter wall, forms part of the Assemblys renewed efforts to reclaim public property and assert its authority over encroachers, particularly one Mr. Malik Neequaye, who is accused of unlawfully taking possession of Government land and toilet facility meant for public school over the past four years.
According to Honourable Badger, Mr. Neequaye began developing the land without any architectural decisions approval and building permits from the Assembly, despite repeated efforts to engage him by the Assembly both in writing and verbal notices.
“This gentleman has taken the law into his own hands, ignoring all notices and warnings. He has even locked the public toilet meant for pupils of the Abofu Presbyterian School and taken control of the community AstroTurf, collecting proceeds from its use,” the MCE lamented.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the exercise, Honourable Badger emphasized that the land in question was designated as a community playground and should be used for the collective benefit of the people of Abofu, not for private development.
We are not demolishing because we want to flex our muscles. We are doing this to send a clear message to all unauthorized developers the land belongs to the people, and the Assembly will not tolerate illegal occupation or development, Hon. Badger stated.
The Assembly has issued a two-week ultimatum to Mr. Neequaye to engage the authorities or risk further demolition of permanent structures on the land.
The MCE also called on real estate developers operating within the Municipality to ensure full compliance with local regulations, including securing permits before beginning construction.
In a related issue, JL Properties, another developer in the area, is reportedly building without the necessary documentation. The Assembly has indicated that the company has been directed to regularize its operations by paying the appropriate fees or face similar enforcement actions.
ONMA, under its development reset agenda, is closely monitoring all developments within the municipality. We are ready to engage, but where developers choose to ignore the law, we will not hesitate to act, Hon. Badger warned.
The Okaikwei North Municipal Assemblys actions signal a firm commitment to protecting public lands and ensuring that development in the municipality proceeds in an orderly and lawful manner.
Other member of the taskforce were Mr. Francis Mensah the Municipal Coordinating Director, Honourable Daniel Dzadey, Presiding Member of the Assembly, Deputy Director of Administration, Assembly Members Unit committee members and other staff of the Assembly,
SOURCE: onma.gov.gh
By Jeffrey De-Graft Johnson AD IIB
