A growing wave of land encroachment and disputed ownership claims is threatening public development at Suhum, prompting a strong warning from former Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Fleischer Samuel Kwabi.
Mr. Kwabi has raised serious concerns over what he describes as the increasing takeover of lands legally reserved for government projects by some families and private individuals within the municipality.
According to him, these lands have long been properly documented and designated for public use, making the current claims not only unlawful, but also a direct threat to development.
He identified several critical sites currently under pressure, including the Kwasi Larbi Cemetery, the Event Park project site, and the proposed lorry station terminal at the Nartey Anoma Electoral Area.
He warned that continued encroachment on these lands could stall essential infrastructure projects and deny residents access to key public services. Mr. Kwabi issued a firm caution to those involved, urging them to desist immediately or face the full rigors of the law.
He stressed that the Assembly retains legal ownership of the lands and will not hesitate to initiate court action, demolition exercises, or enforcement measures against unauthorized occupants.
He further explained that under Ghana’s land governance framework, public lands acquired and documented for state use cannot be reclaimed by individuals without due legal process, making many of the ongoing assertions of ownership highly questionable.
Reflecting on his time in office, Mr. Kwabi noted that the issue is not new, revealing that land disputes and encroachment were persistent challenges during his administration and even earlier under his predecessor, Margaret Darko Darkwa.
He added that the current municipal chief executive, Lydia Ohenewa Sarah, continues to battle the same problem, raising concerns about systemic weaknesses in land protection and enforcement.
Development at Risk
Urban planners and local authorities warn that unchecked encroachment could delay or completely halt planned infrastructure projects and increase the cost of development due to litigation and compensation claims.
Others are leading to unplanned settlements and poor urban layout and undermine investor confidence in municipal projects.
The situation has reignited public debate on land administration in Suhum and across Ghana. Stakeholders are calling for stronger collaboration between the Assembly and the Lands Commission.
The former MCE further mentioned the digital mapping and proper demarcation of public lands, swift legal action against encroachers, and public education on land ownership laws.
Mr. Kwabi emphasized that protecting public lands was a shared responsibility, urging traditional authorities, families, and residents to support the Assembly in preserving lands meant for the collective good.
As pressure mounts, many residents are now looking up to authorities for decisive action to safeguard public assets and ensure that development projects intended to improve lives are not derailed by unlawful land claims.
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