In Keta, Ghana, a storm is brewing over the fate of the municipality’s reclaimed lands. Years of unregulated sales and increasing encroachment have triggered a high-level investigation, initiated by the Keta Municipal Assembly. At the heart of the matter is a growing unease among residents and stakeholders, who voice concerns about unauthorized constructions and the fairness of land allocation. Wisdom Bondzie Seade, the Keta MCE, is appealing for calm, emphasizing that the investigation into the Keta reclaimed lands aims to protect remaining settlement areas and rebuild trust in the municipality’s land administration processes.

The investigation was sparked by a series of worrying trends. Unregulated land sales have created a patchwork of disputes, while the rise of unauthorized constructions has alarmed local authorities. Many Keta residents believe they’ve been sidelined, victims of suspected land-grabbing by powerful individuals. The Keta MCE’s office confirmed that these factors led to the decision to launch a formal inquiry.

Mr. Seade has been quick to assure residents that this is not a witch-hunt. “This is not a witch-hunt,” he stated, underlining the investigation’s goal to understand the history of the reclaimed lands and address any past wrongdoings. As part of this effort, residents who have acquired land are encouraged to submit their documents, aiding in a comprehensive review of ownership and allocation. This collaborative approach, the MCE hopes, will shed light on the complexities surrounding the Keta reclaimed lands.

The investigation will be conducted by a seven-member committee, inaugurated by Volta Regional Minister James Gunu and chaired by Dr. Joe Attipoe, a land management expert. Their mandate is broad: to investigate the activities of the Keta Municipal Assembly, private stakeholders, and individuals involved in land acquisitions. The committee has been given a one-month deadline to submit its findings, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

Dr. Attipoe has reassured the people of Keta, promising that the committee will act with integrity. “We owe it to the people of Keta,” he said, emphasizing the committee’s commitment to establishing the facts, ensuring fairness, and restoring confidence in land administration. The goal is to sift through the complexities of the situation and provide a clear path forward for the Keta reclaimed lands.

Volta Regional Minister James Gunu has voiced his own concerns, particularly regarding discrepancies between the official land layout and the current state of development. He stressed the importance of responsible land use and transparency, highlighting that the reclaimed lands were originally intended to modernize Keta and provide relief to those displaced by climate-related disasters. “The people of Keta deserve order, transparency, and development, not chaos over land ownership,” he stated.

What happens next hinges on the committee’s findings and the subsequent actions of the Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC), which has pledged to fully implement the committee’s recommendations. Residents are once again urged to cooperate with the investigation by providing all necessary documents, ensuring a smooth and fair process for all parties involved. The resolution of the Keta reclaimed lands situation is being approached with a focus on fairness and due process.

The investigation into the Keta reclaimed lands is a crucial step towards resolving long-standing disputes and ensuring responsible land management in the municipality. The commitment to fairness and transparency offers hope for a resolution that benefits all stakeholders and restores confidence in Keta’s land administration. Ultimately, the people of Keta deserve clarity and justice regarding the reclaimed lands, and this investigation aims to deliver exactly that.