The Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, has affirmed government’s commitment to reclaim all the Management Development and Productivity Institute (MDPI) properties that have been unlawfully occupied and secure the property from extensive encroachment.
This was when he led a delegation on Wednesday in Accra, to inspect the extent of such encroachment as part of the Ministry’s renewed efforts to reclaim and safeguard state lands and reposition them for their original developmental and institutional purposes.
The minister stated that, the Management Development and Productivity Institute (MDPI) exists to promote increased productivity in both public and private organizations, primarily in Ghana, to enable them to contribute to the growth of the economy on a sustainable basis.
He noted that the lands, originally conceived by Ghana’s first president as a Pan-African centre for excellence in management and productivity training, has been significantly occupied by illegal structures, observing numerous unauthorized kiosks and permanent buildings, while the original government structure on the site had fallen into disrepair.
Dr. Pelpuo confirmed that the encroachers lack legal land documents or building permits for the permanent structures hence the government’s next steps would be defined by a formal policy, but the immediate goal is to assert ownership.
He warned that those living on such lands were doing so “at their own risk” and will face future eviction, adding that the reclamation of the MDPI land process would be undertaken in collaboration with Local Municipal Authorities.
This according to the minister will ensure all actions respect Ghanaian laws to promote human resource development, productivity improvement, and institutional capacity building in line with the Institute’s mandate.
“The government also signaled its intent to eventually redevelop the site to fulfill its original vision of a premier training institute for Ghana and Africa,” he added
The Minister and his team paid a courtesy call on the Municipal Coordinating Director at the Krowor Municipal Assembly, where discussions were held on land administration and inter-agency collaboration.
The Minister highlighted the need for cooperation between Central Government Institutions and Local Authorities to protect public lands and prevent future encroachment, noting that Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) play a major role in monitoring land use and enforcing planning regulations.
Priscilla Osei-Wusu Nimako, ISD
