By Benard Worlali Awumee
Keta, (V/R), April 11, GNA, GNA – The Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC) has announced its intention to launch a full-scale investigation into the alleged illegal sale of lands reclaimed under the Keta Sea Defence Project within the Keta Municipality.
This announcement was made by Mr. James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, during his closing remarks on Thursday, April 11, 2025, following the confirmation of Mr. Wisdom Seade as the new Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the Keta Municipality. The event took place in the Assembly Hall of the Keta Municipal Assembly.
According to Mr. Gunu, the decision to initiate the probe has become necessary due to growing public concern and reported irregularities surrounding the sale of portions of the reclaimed lands to private individuals and developers.
The transactions in question occurred mainly during the tenure of the previous administration between 2021 and 2024.
Residents and stakeholders have expressed serious misgivings about the processes used in the allocation and sale of the land, citing a lack of transparency and adherence to due procedure.
There have been widespread complaints and allegations that parcels of land earmarked for critical public infrastructure projects such as schools and sports facilities, have instead been allocated or sold to private individuals for personal development. These actions have sparked discontent and agitation among residents of the municipality.
Mr Gunu emphasised that the investigation into the land sales will be treated as a top priority under the new administration as part of a broader effort to restore public confidence and return the municipality to a path of responsible governance and sustainable development.
“Now that the Assembly Members have confirmed the President’s nominee, the real work begins,” Mr. Gunu declared.
“There are pressing issues we must address in Keta, and one of the most urgent is the improper sale of reclaimed lands. The Volta Regional Coordinating Council will soon launch a comprehensive investigation into this matter.”
Mr. Gunu further revealed that the probe will be conducted in collaboration with traditional authorities and other relevant stakeholders to ensure a transparent and inclusive process.
“The Keta Municipal Assembly will work hand-in-hand with the chiefs, opinion leaders, and all relevant institutions to investigate and bring clarity to the issue of the improper sale of lands reclaimed during the Sea Defence Project,” he added.
The reclaimed land in question was developed between 1998 and 2004 as part of the Keta Sea Defence Project. It includes portions of the Keta Lagoon and surrounding low-lying areas, which were reclaimed and refilled to create resettlement zones for victims of tidal waves and sea erosion at the time. The entire stretch, covering more than 150 hectares, includes communities such as Kedzi, Vodza, Adzido, and central Keta, with the main reclaimed site situated in Keta Central.
Some Assembly Members and residents who were present at the confirmation ceremony welcomed the minister’s declaration. They believe the investigation will help uncover the truth and ensure accountability.
Mr. Gabriel Dzikunu, the Assembly Member for Keta Central, the area of concern, shared his thoughts with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), expressing his support for the planned probe.
“The issue of the Keta reclaimed lands has been a contentious topic in our deliberations over the years during our sittings. The decision by the VRCC to investigate the matter is a step in the right direction. We need to bring order, transparency, and fairness to how public lands are managed in our municipality,” Mr. Dzikunu stated.
The VRCC’s intervention is expected to bring clarity to the controversy and potentially lead to the recovery of any lands allegedly wrongfully allocated or sold. The outcome of the probe will be closely monitored by the public, particularly affected communities, who are hopeful that justice will prevail.
GNA
MA/KOA