Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ghanaian Times
Published on 2024-02-23 08:24:00
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has issued a three-week ultimatum to the government and individuals who have encroached on its 400-acre Pokuase–Amasaman lands to vacate the premises immediately. This ultimatum is a warning to comply, as failure to do so will result in the CSIR taking legal action to reclaim its land, including the possibility of staging a peaceful demonstration to draw attention to the issue.
“We are committed to protecting our land and will take all necessary measures to address land encroachment effectively,” said the CSIR Union Chairman, Mr Michael Amoo-Gyasi, at a news conference in Accra. He expressed concern that the extent of encroachment threatened research and technological development activities, as well as endangering the lives of the CSIR staff.
The issue began in 2019 when the CSIR learned that the government was seeking to allocate portions of its land for the construction of affordable housing units. Management immediately halted the process until CSIR Management was fully engaged with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the Ministry of Works and Housing. This action led to the intervention of Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, who constituted an inter-Ministerial Committee to resolve the impasse.
After the intervention, it was agreed that CSIR would receive a lease for 184 acres of land. However, the lease was never issued by the Lands Commission, and the 184 acres were later reduced to 100 acres. Despite efforts by the CSIR to obtain the lease for the 100 acres, a private developer was seen clearing the entire 400 plus acres of the land, disregarding the initial agreement and destroying ongoing scientific experiments and research materials in the process.
This encroachment posed a significant threat to the vital research and development activities carried out by the institution. CSIR plays a crucial role in advancing scientific knowledge, fostering innovation, and driving economic growth in Ghana. As a result, the CSIR has issued the ultimatum, calling on all well-meaning Ghanaians to stand in solidarity to protect the institution’s heritage and safeguard its future.
In conclusion, the Station Manager for CSIR-Crop Research Institute, Pokuase Station, Mr James Konadu Boafo, stated that all efforts to halt encroachment proved futile, hence the three-week ultimatum. The CSIR is determined to defend the future of the nation and ensure that the right thing is done. It seeks the support of all Ghanaians in its efforts to protect its land and maintain its vital role in scientific and technological development.
Read the original article on Ghanaian Times
