By Bernice Bessey/ bbessey@yahoo.com
The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Nii Laryea Afotey-Agbo, also known as Lion, has ordered the immediate demolition of all unauthorised structures, especially on water ways and proposed roads, to ensure sanity in the various assemblies of the region.
According to the Minister, illegal structures must be demolished, because they contribute immensely to the flood situations the region experiences every year.
“I encourage you to remove all unauthorised structures in the district, especially, on water ways and proposed roads, to ensure sanity in the development of the district,” he charged.
He further explained that land litigation and disputes, encroachment on spaces earmarked for public facilities like proposed roads, schools, markets, and siting of structures and buildings on fire hydrants have become a public concern, which needs to be addressed.
Lion made the assertion during his working and familiarisation tour to the Ga Central Municipal Assembly (GCMA), Sowutuom, on Tuesday, March 3, 2015.
The Minister who believes strongly that some illegal structures spring up as a result of a long bureaucratic process, urged the assembly to streamline the issuance of building permits to make it less cumbersome for developers to obtain.
“By so doing so, people would be encouraged to apply for building permits, thereby reducing the spate of unauthorised structures,” he said.
He, however, cautioned staff of the assembly to desist from conniving with developers to build unauthorised structures, adding, “Anyone involved in such a practice should be sanctioned.”
Nii Laryea Afotey-Agbo, in an attempt to address boundary disputes between assemblies, said a Boundary Committee has been setup to mitigate and bring lasting solutions to the disputes.
He further cautioned assemblies that ride on the boundary dispute to move into another assembly’s territory to collect revenue that is not due them.
The Ga Central Municipal, notwithstanding revenue being lost to other sister assemblies, was charged by the Minister to rejuvenate its revenue mobilisation strategies to ensure that revenues targeted for the year are met.
“I, therefore, wish to urge the assembly not depend only on the Common Fund, but evolve innovative ways to generate enough to enable you provide the needed social and economic infrastructure for the people living within your jurisdiction,” he added.
Touching on security, he urged the assembly to always liaise with the security agencies in the country to protect the integrity of the country, lives and properties.
He indication that succession disputes and land litigation, property fraud and chieftaincy disputes, which are drain on the country’s resources, takes about 80 per cent of the Regional Security Council’s (REGSEC) time.
The Municipal Chief Executive of the GCMA, Aristo Aryee, assured the Minister that though the assembly is faced with challenges such as lack of land for developmental projects, poor drainage system and bad roads, he will do everything possible for a steady progress of the municipality.