Ningo Residents Raise Concerns Over Land Acquisition, Military Presence, and Developmental Neglect

The people of Ningo-Prampram in Ghana have raised concerns about land acquisition, compensation, infrastructure, employment, and access to essential services. For decades, residents have been voicing their concerns, which deserve more than occasional political attention. A transparent national conversation is required to address these issues. The conversation should not only focus on the military presence in the area but also examine what Ningo has received in return for the enormous portions of its land acquired for national purposes.

The Government of Ghana acquired approximately 77,000 acres of land in the Ningo area, with about 34,000 acres subsequently occupied for military purposes. These figures and acquisition records deserve independent verification. Fundamental questions remain about the original purpose of these acquisitions, compensation arrangements made with affected landowners and communities, and whether those obligations were fully discharged. Article 20 of Ghana's 1992 Constitution requires compulsory acquisition to serve a clearly justified public purpose and provides for prompt, fair, and adequate compensation.

Residents have raised concerns about the reported appearance of individuals and private entities as registered interests in portions of land believed to have been acquired by the state. A 2015 publication reported allegations by the Tei Narteh Boso Buahene Family concerning approximately 29,000 acres of land reportedly vested in the state in 1968 and subsequently leased to Volta Investments Company Limited in November 1998. These allegations raise fundamental questions about the original acquisition, the legal basis for the subsequent lease, and the rights of the original landowners.

The controversy surrounding Ningo's land administration is not new, with many individuals and entities currently registered as portions or Ningo lands. If these claims are substantiated, the implications are significant. The Lands Commission should provide the relevant acquisition instruments, cadastral plans, registration records, and lease documents to establish the legal history of these lands. A comprehensive public register identifying the original acquisition instruments, affected parcels, present ownership interests, lease beneficiaries, purposes of allocation, and compensation records would help resolve these questions.

Another issue that deserves national attention is the security of Ningo's coastal belt. Concerns have been raised about the use of sections of the Ningo shoreline as entry points for the movement of illicit drugs and other prohibited goods into the country. These allegations warrant serious investigation by the relevant security and law-enforcement agencies. Ghana's coastline is a national security asset, and its protection should not be selective.

Ningo's coastline should not become a convenient corridor for criminal networks while its residents bear the consequences of inadequate public infrastructure and security attention. The government must strengthen maritime surveillance, empower the relevant enforcement agencies, and work with traditional authorities and coastal residents to establish effective community-based reporting mechanisms. National security must protect not only military installations and state property but also the territorial integrity, economic interests, and everyday safety of the communities along Ghana's coastline.

Residents continue to raise concerns about inadequate road networks, healthcare facilities, potable water, employment opportunities, and industrial investment. Roads connecting communities such as Old Ningo, Ada, Tsopoli, Dawhenya, Afienya, and Dodowa require sustained attention. The condition of connecting roads affects transportation, education, commerce, emergency healthcare, and agricultural activities. Healthcare is another pressing concern, with residents historically complaining about inadequate facilities.

Key points

• The acquisition of land in Ningo for national purposes has raised concerns about compensation, infrastructure, and employment opportunities for residents.
• The presence of private interests in land acquired for public purposes in Ningo has sparked controversy and raised questions about the administration of public land.
• The government has been urged to strengthen maritime surveillance and establish effective community-based reporting mechanisms to address security concerns along Ghana's coastline.