The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Emmanuel Gemegah, provided a detailed account of the challenges and progress regarding the management of the Keta reclaimed land.

This issue, which has sparked considerable public interest, dates back to the previous administration's inability to maintain records of land transactions, leaving the current administration to navigate a maze of undocumented allocations.

Lack of Documentation

Upon assuming office, MCE Gemegah disclosed that institutions such as the Audit Service, Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), and the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) had requested information about the individuals and processes involved in land allocations. However, there were no records available, a situation that hampered transparency and accountability.

"The absence of documentation posed significant challenges," Mr. Gemegah remarked. "We had to embark on extensive consultations with the Lands Commission, traditional authorities, and the Assembly to resolve the situation."

Land Allocation Challenges

Investigations revealed that a significant portion of the reclaimed land had already been allocated without formal documentation. This necessitated the formulation of a structured approach to regularise ownership and mobilise much-needed revenue for the Keta Municipal Assembly.

Steps to Resolve the Crisis

To address these challenges, the Municipal Assembly, under the leadership of Mr. Gemegah initiated a series of measures:

Engagement of Stakeholders

Invitations were extended to the Lands Commission, traditional authorities, and assembly management to discuss a sustainable way forward.

Collaboration with the Lands Commission

Meetings were held with the Lands Commission to explore options for regularizing land allocations. The Commission’s subsequent board approval was deemed crucial to formalize these processes.

Public Announcements

Public announcements were made via local radio stations to solicit support and gather information on prior land engagements. This step is aimed to create transparency and involve residents in the decision-making process.

Preparation of a Cadastral Plan

The Survey and Mapping Division of the Lands Commission developed a cadastral plan to establish a clear layout of the reclaimed land.

Drafting and Reviewing a Local Plan

A draft local plan was created by the Technical Sub-Committee and reviewed during a Statutory Planning Meeting, incorporating feedback from stakeholders.

Finalisation and Approval

Following consultations and revisions, the finalized local plan was presented to the General Assembly for endorsement. This was a significant milestone, ensuring that all stakeholders had a shared understanding of the proposed developments.

Road Opening and Regularisation

Roads were constructed, and affected plots were regularised to align with the approved plan.

Achievements

Through this comprehensive and collaborative approach, the Keta Municipal Assembly has made significant strides in addressing the reclaimed land issue. The process has ensured:

Equitable Ownership: Stakeholders now have clarity on land ownership, reducing potential disputes.
Improved Land Management: The cadastral plan and local plan serve as a foundation for future planning and development.

Enhanced Revenue Generation: Regularization has enabled the assembly to mobilize revenue effectively.
Looking Ahead

MCE Emmanuel Gemegah emphasised the importance of sustaining the collaborative efforts between the Assembly, the Lands Commission, and traditional authorities.

"This process is not just about resolving past challenges but laying a foundation for effective land management in Keta," he stated.

The Keta reclaimed land issue underscores the critical need for transparency and meticulous record-keeping in land administration.

The measures taken by the current administration provide a roadmap for addressing similar challenges in other municipalities across Ghana.