A widow in her late 60s, Rebecca Ayikaikor Tagoe, is appealing to the government to compensate her for what she describes as the unlawful takeover of her land for public projects at Ngleshie-Amanfro in the Ga South Municipality.
According to Madam Tagoe, portions of her eight plots of land at Amuzukope, Ngleshie-Amanfro have been used for the construction of a community school, public toilet and a CHPS compound without proper compensation or formal engagement with her.
She said despite several petitions to authorities, her plea has not been addressed, leaving her distressed and financially strained.
“I believe there is law in this country and no one is above the law,” Madam Tagoe stated, insisting that her right to fair compensation must be respected.
Madam Tagoe alleges she has petitioned the Ga South Municipal Assembly (GSMA) several times, since 2020, without success. She said she has also reported the matter to the police and other state agencies.
Among the offices she petitioned include the Ngleshie Amanfro Police, Weija Tollbooth Police Station and the Divisional Command.
In December 2021, she escalated the matter to the Inspector-General of Police, the Greater Accra Regional Police Command and the Chief Director of the Regional Coordinating Council.
Her most recent petition, dated May 31, 2023 was addressed to the Director-General of the CID, with copies to the Auditor-General, the Minister for Special Development Initiatives (MSDI), the Minister of Health and the Minister of Education.
She claims investigations are ongoing, but some individuals invited to assist, including persons she identified as Mr. Mensah, Isaac Mensah and Rachel Nortey have allegedly failed to honour police and assembly invitations.
Madam Tagoe insists she is not opposed to public development on the land but wants due process followed and compensation paid.
She also argues that the development has encouraged trespassers to encroach further on her property.
She further indicated willingness to resolve the issue amicably, especially because clients who purchased parcels of the land from her prior to the encroachment are awaiting clarity and settlement.
“I would be pleased for an amicable settlement with the authorities,” she noted, adding that she only seeks fairness and the right to reclaim or be compensated for her land.
Awaiting Government Response
Attempts to get official comment from the Ga South Municipal Assembly were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
Madam Tagoe says she hopes government will intervene to “thoroughly investigate” the matter and ensure justice is served.
She maintains that proper documentation exists to prove ownership of the land and is urging authorities to uphold the rule of law.
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