Tension is mounting in Ashaiman following allegations that a private developer is unlawfully constructing a multi-storey building on government land at the once-bustling Ashaiman Night Market.
The developer, whose name has been withheld, is accused of using forceful means to continue construction on the disputed land without proper authorization.
According to sources, work on the project began about five years ago but was halted by the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly over concerns that the land was reserved for public use.
The land, located in the Nii Annan Adjor electoral area, previously served as a thriving night market where traders operated due to its proximity to the main road leading to the Ashaiman lorry terminal.
The area was also earmarked for future road expansion and other public infrastructure.
However, residents and former traders say the situation has taken a troubling turn following the 2024 general elections.
They allege that the same developer who was previously stopped has resumed construction activities, raising questions about possible political influence and regulatory lapses.
A former unit committee chairman and a trader who spoke to our news team expressed frustration over what they described as a blatant disregard for state regulations.
“It is worrying that land reserved for public development is being taken over by an individual.
The previous administration stood firm against this, so why the sudden change?” one of them questioned.
They are calling on relevant state authorities to intervene immediately and halt the project before it is completed.
Assembly Member for the area, Hon. Apokola Baba Rabiu, also voiced concern over the development, describing it as alarming and unacceptable.
He disclosed that the developer claims to have legally acquired the land and obtained a building permit from the assembly.
Hon. Rabiu, however, disputed this assertion, recounting his own efforts to stop the project in the past.
Hon. Apokola Baba Rabiu, Assembly Member for Nii Annan Adjor electoral area
“I personally led efforts to halt the construction because the land is not meant for private development. At a point, the developer had no choice but to abandon the project,” he said.
According to him, the developer has allegedly justified the resumption of work by citing a change in political power and claiming affiliation with the ruling government.
“He is reportedly saying that his party is now in power, so no one can stop him. That is very troubling if true,” the assembly member added.
Hon. Rabiu further alleged that although the developer had acquired a separate parcel of land nearby, he has encroached on the state land and extended his building project onto it.
Efforts to resolve the issue through the municipal assembly’s lands and engineering departments have, according to him, yielded no results.
He revealed that officials had indicated that other individuals had been allowed to build on the same stretch—a justification he strongly disagrees with.
“That cannot be an excuse to allow further encroachment on public land. Two wrongs do not make a right,” he stressed.
Residents are now appealing to the government and relevant land authorities to urgently investigate the matter and take decisive action to protect public property.
Attempts by the news team to speak to the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Freeman Tsekpo, proved futile, as he did not respond to several calls or to text and WhatsApp messages.
The Ashaiman Night Market, once a vibrant hub for commerce, now risks being overshadowed by a growing land dispute that has sparked concerns over accountability, urban planning, and the rule of law.
By 1960news.com
