Cape Coast: The Central Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, is set to launch a major crackdown on unauthorized structures on state lands, particularly those belonging to health and educational institutions. This initiative will begin in the Cape Coast Metropolis, the Central Regional Minister, Mr. Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, has announced.
According to Ghana News Agency, the operation, scheduled to start within a month, would begin at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH) and extend to senior high schools in the inner city of Cape Coast. Before the enforcement begins, the RCC and stakeholders will engage the affected individuals and communities to reach mutual agreements for the voluntary removal of unauthorized structures. However, those who refuse to comply would face demolition of their property in accordance with the law.
The Minister emphasized that this action was not aimed at targeting any individual, group, community, or institution, but it was a constitutional duty to protect state resources for their intended purposes. "As the President's representative in the region, entrusted with accelerating development, it is unacceptable to allow individuals to occupy state lands with impunity while institutions struggle for space. I have no personal or political agenda, but our institutions need room for future expansion, and I am committed to safeguarding national interests," Mr. Eduamoah stated.
He called on all stakeholders to support the initiative and urged institutions to secure their land titles promptly. The announcement was made during a courtesy visit by the new 10-member Board of the CCTH chaired by Dr. Joseph Taye Nuertey, who took over from the previous Board led by Ehunabobrim Pra Agyensem IV, Omanhen of Owirenkyiman Traditional Area.
The Board, with a four-year mandate, includes Prof. Samuel Kyei, Prof. Emmanuel Kwesi Adu, Prof. Jerry Paul Winnoni, Prof. Owusu Mintah, Dr. Eric Kofi Ngyedu, CEO of CCTH, and Dr. Martha Osei-Marfo as members. The rest are Dr. Joseph Atsu Wenmegah, Dr. Jack Galley, Lawyer Michael Monnie, Mr. Raphael Eshun, with Mrs. Esther Lambignanl Torbi Biyimba as the Secretary.
Mr. Okyere urged the hospital Board and management of other state institutions to take responsibility for protecting state lands under their jurisdiction. He also encouraged the CCTH Board to explore public-private partnerships (PPP) to address infrastructure deficits, particularly in staff accommodation and departmental buildings.
The Minister pledged his support to help revitalize the hospital's infrastructure, aiming to restore the facility's status as a premier teaching hospital in the Region. He also committed to maintaining an open-door policy to attract investments to create jobs, increase revenue, and accelerate regional development.
In response, the new board chair, Dr. Nuertey, thanked the Minister for his preparedness for unwavering support in maintaining and improving the hospital's infrastructure, logistics, and staffing. He acknowledged the current challenges of inadequate infrastructure, limited logistics, and a workforce of just over 2,000 employees but assured the Board's full commitment to fulfilling the hospital's mandate effectively.
The delegation later met with Mr. George Justice Arthur, the Cape Coast Metropolitan Chief Executive, who warmly welcomed the team and expressed strong commitment to collaborate closely in advancing regional development. Both the Board and the Metropolitan Assembly pledged to work together to support the Cape Coast Metropolitan hospital, aiming to reduce the patient load currently overwhelming the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital.
