The management of the Ghana Water Company is under scrutiny for allegedly neglecting to occupy three newly constructed bungalows intended to replace properties slated for demolition.
According to sources from Orange News, the land where the old bungalows are located falls within a 400-acre area granted to the Asantehene, which includes plans for relocation.
Investigations at the Lands Commission have revealed that the Ghana Water Company lacks documentation proving ownership of the property in question.
In response to the situation, disgruntled employees of the Ghana Water Limited in the Ashanti region expressed their frustration by donning red headgear and armbands, condemning what they term the “unlawful” demolition of residences occupied by top management.
Recent actions have seen the dismantling of walls and other structures at the homes of regional managers, with walls of two bungalows reduced to rubble.
Additionally, surrounding lands have been cleared for redevelopment, with five more residences marked for demolition by a private developer.
Emmanuel Okpoti Kodiah, Vice Chair of the Senior Staff Association of Ghana Water Limited in Ashanti, addressed the media during a visit to the demolished sites.
“We have recently witnessed the unnecessary demolition of the fence walls of two Directors’ bungalows and their associated quarters, raising serious concerns about the procedures and respect that should govern our operations. These properties symbolize the dedication and hard work of our leadership,” he stated.
Despite the turmoil, Orange News has confirmed that occupants of 200 bungalows on the retained 400 acres were to be relocated to newly built residences.
This land was retained by the traditional authority due to the colonial government’s failure to compensate for an additional 800 acres.
The Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council has communicated a Public-Private Partnership agreement to replace the affected bungalows, addressing the situation with affected public agencies.
However, the disgruntled staff of the water company claim they were not informed about the allocation of the three completed bungalows intended as replacements, despite receiving letters to that effect.
Kodiah emphasized, “Let it be known that the region has never received any communication from Head Office regarding the ceding of lands to the developers in question.
The Regional Coordinating Council’s communication was supposed to be relayed to Head Office, which they did. This clearly indicates that they are aware of the necessary procedures.”
While some heads of other government agencies have received keys to their new bungalows from the Regional Coordinating Council, the Ghana Water Company has refused to accept the keys, issuing a 48-hour ultimatum for the restoration of the vandalized properties.
“GWL, as a company, is therefore giving the private developers a 48-hour deadline to reconstruct the walls and restore all other damaged properties. If this is not done, GWL will cease to operate in the Ashanti Region, with a shutdown scheduled for 9 am on Friday,” Kodiah warned.
