By Hafsa Obeng
Accra, Nov. 27, GNA – The National Commission on Culture (NCC) has raised alarm over an attempted illegal takeover of government land belonging to the Centre for National Culture (CNC) in Sunyani in the Bono Region.
The development came to the attention of the Commission after the Bono Regional Director of the CNC placed an SOS call to the Acting Executive Director of the NCC, Mr. Wakefield Ackuaku, reporting an alleged collaboration between some traditional authorities in Sunyani and a group of Chinese nationals seeking to construct a “China Mall” on the land.
In a release issued to the Ghana News Agency, on Thursday, in Accra, it said the parcel of land, originally 60 acres, was acquired during the era of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah for the establishment of the then Brong Ahafo Regional Cultural Centre.
It has since been preserved by successive governments for cultural development. However, in 2023, the Sunyani Traditional Authorities claimed that compensation had not been paid at the time of acquisition.
It said following negotiations, 20 acres were released to them as compensation, leaving 40 acres legally under the ownership of the state and managed by the Bono Regional Centre for National Culture.
The NCC said the latest attempt to annex additional portions of the land was unlawful and unacceptable.
Responding to the report, Mr. Ackuaku travelled to Sunyani on Wednesday, November 26, where he met with the Regional Director and staff of the CNC for a briefing before calling on the Bono Regional Minister, Mr. Joseph Akwaboa.
Mr. Akwaboa reaffirmed his commitment to enforcing President John Dramani Mahama’s directive to protect all state lands under his authority.
He halted the attempted encroachment and assured the Commission of his continued support.
He also urged the NCC to strengthen measures for safeguarding cultural lands and expressed concern about the practice of tenants putting up permanent structures inconsistent with the Centre’s mandate.
Mr. Ackuaku said the matter would be formally brought to the attention of the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, who is currently on a working tour of the Ashanti Region but is expected to visit the Bono Region to assess the issue.
The NCC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting government lands designated for cultural development, upholding the mandate of the Centres for National Culture, collaborating with regional leaders and traditional authorities, and preventing unauthorized construction on cultural lands.
The Commission urged traditional leaders, local authorities and the public to support efforts to preserve lands that serve as key spaces for Ghana’s creative, cultural and educational growth.
GNA
Edited by Christian Akorlie