The Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), Richard Ofori-Agyeman Boadi, has initiated a decisive action to reclaim public school lands within the metropolis from encroachers. Prompted by a recent inspection tour revealing the pervasive nature of the problem, the MCE directed the immediate eviction of all individuals and groups occupying these lands for non-educational purposes. The encroachment activities observed ranged from the construction of makeshift shelters and trading posts to the establishment of mechanic workshops, drug peddling spots, and unauthorized religious gatherings. The MCE expressed serious concerns about the detrimental impact of these activities on the safety and wellbeing of students and teachers, highlighting the disruption to sanitation efforts and the erosion of the peaceful environment necessary for effective teaching and learning.
The MCE’s inspection tour, which covered schools in key areas such as Subin, Bantama, Manhyia South, and Manhyia North, including the Asem Cluster of Schools, Amankwatia Basic Schools, and the State Boys and Girls clusters, provided firsthand evidence of the severity of the encroachment issue. The tour revealed a disturbing trend of private individuals, developers, and organized groups increasingly taking over school lands. This encroachment not only restricts the physical space available for educational activities but also creates a hazardous environment that jeopardizes the safety and security of the school community. The MCE’s observations underscore the urgent need for intervention to protect these vital public spaces.
In response to the escalating problem, the MCE has directed the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the Physical Planning Department, and the Works Department to collaborate on an immediate intervention. These agencies have been tasked with the responsibility of reclaiming all encroached school lands and ensuring their restoration for their intended educational purposes. This coordinated effort aims to swiftly address the issue and prevent further encroachment. The MCE emphasized the Assembly’s resolve to take decisive action, including the demolition of illegal structures and prosecution of offenders, to effectively protect school lands.
The MCE’s directive signals a zero-tolerance approach to encroachment on public school lands. He stressed that the Assembly would not permit any unauthorized occupation of these lands, recognizing the detrimental impact on the quality of education. Mr. Boadi’s strong stance underscores the importance of safeguarding school spaces for the benefit of current and future generations of students. He called for community support in reporting any new encroachment activities, emphasizing the collective responsibility to protect these essential public resources.
Mr. Ofori-Agyeman Boadi reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to protecting public lands, particularly those designated for educational purposes. He highlighted the critical role of these spaces in providing a safe and conducive learning environment for children. The MCE emphasized that protecting school lands is an investment in the future of the community and a key step towards ensuring access to quality education for all. He reassured parents, teachers, and students of the Assembly’s unwavering dedication to maintaining safe and conducive learning environments across the metropolis.
The MCE’s actions demonstrate a proactive approach to addressing a pressing issue that threatens the quality of education in Kumasi. By directing the eviction of encroachers, mobilizing relevant agencies, and engaging the community, the MCE aims to create a lasting solution that safeguards school lands and ensures a secure and conducive environment for learning. This initiative reflects the Assembly’s commitment to prioritizing education and protecting the future of the community. The MCE’s firm stance sends a clear message that encroachment on school lands will not be tolerated and that the Assembly will take all necessary measures to reclaim these essential public spaces.
