UG Seeks National Security Intervention Over Acts of Vandalism on University Lands at Borteyman

The University of Ghana has engaged the National Security to address reported acts of vandalism on its lands and on properties belonging to Felord Construction and Engineering, a company developing staff accommodation on University-acquired lands, following approval by the University Council.

The engagement, led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, sought the immediate intervention of the National Security and an investigation into the alleged acts of vandalism perpetrated by individuals purported to be national security operatives. The discussions were followed by a visit to the affected site at Borteyman to assess the situation firsthand.

During a brief meeting before the site visit, the Vice-Chancellor provided an update on the history and development of the University’s lands at Borteyman. She noted that the area forms part of lands located near the portion offered to the Ministry of Youth and Sports for the development of a sports complex, part of which was used for the African Games in 2023.

She added that efforts have been made over the years to secure the remaining portions of the land for the University’s use. “To optimise its value, the University, with the approval of its Council, has released 100 acres to Felord Construction and Engineering for development, which will include residential facilities to provide accommodation for staff of the University,” the Vice-Chancellor stated.

Prof. Amfo expressed concern about the increasing activities of encroachers who have been destroying structures and property on the land. She thanked the National Security Director of Special Operations for his swift intervention in addressing the situation and reaffirmed the importance of the University maintaining peaceful ownership of its lands.

Speaking after inspecting the site, the Director of Special Operations at the National Security, Mr. Richard Jakpa, explained that his office received a distress call from the University’s management and was on site to ascertain the facts, verify available evidence and identify those responsible for the disturbances. 

He assured that investigations are ongoing to bring the perpetrators to book, cautioning individuals who falsely use the name of the National Security to perpetuate unlawful acts. Mr. Jakpa also promised that adequate security measures would be implemented to protect both the land and the personnel working on it.

The Deputy Director in charge of Estate Management at the Physical Development and Municipal Services Directorate (PDMSD), Mr. Ernest Boakye, provided a historical background on the university-owned Borteyman land. He explained that the government acquired the land in 1940, covering a little over 2,000 acres, out of which 945.82 acres were leased to the University of Ghana in 1953.

Mr. Boakye noted that there have been unsubstantiated claims circulating that the government has returned portions of the land to unidentified groups, which has contributed to the recent disturbances. 

He further restated that the University holds the rights to the land leased from the government for a period of 200 years and possesses all the necessary documentation to support its ownership.

On behalf of the project developers, the lawyer for Felord Construction and Engineering, Mr. Claude Oppon, expressed concern over the numerous challenges encountered since mobilising to site, including interference and threats.

Mr. Oppon explained that the project comprises two and three-bedroom apartments and is expected to significantly enhance staff accommodation. However, he noted that the ongoing disturbances on site have created challenges to meeting the timelines of the project.

He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to completing the 26-block, 208-apartment residential facility for staff within the agreed 24-month period, in accordance with the approval granted by the University Council.

The meeting is in line with the University’s determination to protect its lands and to collaborate with relevant security agencies to ensure the safety of all ongoing developments at Borteyman. It also forms part of a broader effort by management to safeguard all University lands from encroachment and ensure they are put to sustainable and beneficial use in support of the University’s strategic priority 5, Sustainable Resource Mobilisation and Stewardship.