GRC ordered to check encroachment on their lands

Kumasi, June 13, GNA - The Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has directed management of Ghana Railway Company (GRC) to institute measures to prevent encroachment on its land by traders. In addition, it should ensure all illegal squatters on its land especially the Central Business District in Kumasi were removed. Mr Kofi Opoku-Manu, Ashanti Regional Minister and Chairman of the Council, gave the directive at a meeting between REGSEC, management of GRC and some traders in Kumasi, following reports that large portions of land belonging to the GRC had been taken over by traders. He said it was wrong for the management to sell land belonging to the company for development into stores or misapplied Government acquired lands, while traders used their land for trading activities. Mr Opoku-Manu advised affected traders in the recent fire outbreak at the Kumasi Central Market to co-operate with the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly for re-settlement at Asafo, Kwadaso and Patasi Estates markets. Mr Jonathan Sam, Ashanti Regional Area Manager of GRC, pledged to evict all encroachers on their land.

However, he said some of the traders were given permit by the management and had been directed to vacate the place after the expiration of their permit.