By Michael Kofi Kenetey
Land encroachment in Ghana is increasingly driven by rapid urbanisation, population growth and rising demand for real estate, posing a significant threat to agricultural sustainability, food security, public investment and the livelihoods of farmers.
Arable lands, particularly in peri-urban areas, are being rapidly converted into residential developments, affecting agricultural production, agro-processing industries and companies that rely on farm produce for their operations.
This challenge is evident in Nsawam in the Eastern Region, where illegal encroachers have taken over a 50-acre parcel of land belonging to Blue Skies Products Ghana Limited, which had been earmarked for farming and industrial projects.
The company has, over the years, provided employment for more than 4,000 young people in Nsawam and surrounding communities. As part of plans to expand employment opportunities, it acquired the land to support farming activities and construct an additional ultra-modern factory expected to create over 3,000 jobs. However, the land has been occupied by encroachers who have begun putting up structures.
In an exclusive interview with GBC News during a visit to the site, the Head of Foundation, Brand Communication and Public Relations at Blue Skies, Mr Alistair Djimatey, said the activities of the encroachers are affecting production and the company’s expansion plans aimed at increasing youth employment.
He expressed concern about what he described as the inability of the system and security agencies to address such situations. He noted that the matter has been reported to the Ghana Police Service, but no action has yet been taken. He added that the company’s main advantage remains its legal documentation covering the land.
Mr Djimatey appealed to the government and the Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, to intervene and help secure the property.
The Officer in charge of Estates at Blue Skies, Mr Prince Asimani, provided further details, stating that the company lawfully acquired the land in 2004 and had been farming there until 2022, when the encroachment began. He emphasised that although the matter is before the courts, construction activities by the encroachers continue.
A worker at the site, Daniel Nii Acquaye, told the media that although he is aware the land is under litigation, he was hired as a mason and is carrying out his assigned duties.
Blue Skies Products Ghana Limited produces fresh fruit juice using locally sourced fruits such as mango, pineapple, pawpaw and watermelon, supporting Ghana’s agricultural value chain.
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Source:
www.gbcghanaonline.com
