The Government of Ghana’s claim to the Trade Fair lands and adjoining parcels at La, Accra, is rooted in a 1967 Executive Instrument (E.I. 10), which compulsorily acquired the properties for public purposes.
Documents available indicate that the instrument, issued on January 14, 1967, under the National Liberation Council (NLC), declared two parcels of land at Labadi to be required in the public interest under the State Lands Act, 1962 (Act 125).
The instrument covers a combined area of approximately 236.92 acres, comprising a larger parcel measuring about 191.61 acres and a second parcel covering approximately 45.31 acres.
The acquisition records provide the historical and documentary basis for the government’s claim to the properties and raise questions about subsequent private ownership claims, allocations and developments on portions of the land.
E.I. 10 Establishes Historical Basis for State Claim
The original acquisition records held by the Lands Commission are expected to be central to determining the legal status of the disputed properties and assessing the validity of any competing ownership claims. Read Also: Abass Osabutey Banks on Experience to Lead NDC Organization-1
The larger parcel was acquired for public purposes, including the development of the Ghana International Trade Fair Centre and related facilities. Portions of the acquired land were subsequently associated with specific developments intended to support the activities of the exhibition centre.
The location of hotels and other facilities near an international exhibition centre was intended to provide accommodation for foreign exhibitors, businesspeople and other visitors attending international trade fairs.
The boundaries described in the 1967 instrument refer to geographical features and roads around Labadi, including the Kpeshie Lagoon, the Accra-Tema Motorway and Giffard Road.
These historical details are significant in establishing the extent of the original acquisition and determining whether subsequent transactions and developments fell within the boundaries of the state-acquired land.
Private Ownership Claims Under Scrutiny
The acquisition documents have brought renewed attention to questions surrounding the ownership, occupation and development of portions of the Trade Fair lands. https://dailydemocratnewsonline.com/
Questions have been raised about the legal basis on which certain individuals or entities may have acquired interests in parts of the property, as well as whether the relevant allocations, leases and development authorisations were properly issued.
Concerns have also been raised about building permits for structures erected on portions of the land, amid allegations that some occupants may be using government-acquired property without the necessary authorisation.
The existence of the 1967 acquisition instrument settles every subsequent ownership dispute.
The controversy underscores broader concerns about the administration of state-acquired lands, the validity of subsequent leases and the responsibility of public institutions to safeguard government property.
Documents available indicate that the original acquisition records have been secured to preserve evidence of the government’s interest in the disputed parcels and to guide further action concerning their ownership and occupation.
The records are expected to provide an important reference point for determining whether subsequent developments complied with the law and whether any interests claimed by private parties were lawfully created.
Ultimately, the 1967 acquisition instrument and related records could prove decisive in resolving competing claims over the Trade Fair lands. A comprehensive review by the relevant authorities would help establish the boundaries of the acquired properties, clarify the status of subsequent transactions, address legitimate compensation claims and determine whether any irregularities occurred in the allocation or occupation of the land.
