Prempeh College Encroachers Chased Out Of School Lands

The Old Students Association of Prempeh College in Kumasi has expressed displeasure over the encroachment and construction of permanent structures on school lands by individuals, artisans and private developers.  

It has, therefore, moved in to protect the lands for the future benefit of the school.

Mr. Frimpong-Asante, General Secretary of the Association and Member of Technical Committee of the school, told a meeting of journalists that for some time now the Association has observed that a lot of illegal activities are taking place on the school lands.

According to him, encroachers, squatters, mechanics, food vendors and transport terminals are taking over the school land, which they observed would not help teaching, learning and discipline among students and decided to chase out those encroachers and squatters.

He mentioned that at the time the association was contemplating moving out of the encroachers and squatters from the school land, it came out rather surprisingly that school land had been given to a private developer to put up permanent structures and stores for commercial purpose.

The General Secretary disclosed that, when the leadership of the Association approached the contractor, he referred them to Mr.  Samuel Fordjour, the Headmaster of the school for clarification.

According to him, it turned out that the Headmaster was aware of the development of permanent structures, which he said, are unlawful.

The chief scribe of the Old Boys revealed that the old students Association, pressure group and stakeholders would do whatever it takes to protect the school lands, stop the building of the permanent structures and move the squatters away.

He indicated that last June, the Land Commission collaborated the stand of the association by issuing a statement of caution to school authorities, not to use school lands for commercial purposes or public use.

The Association pleaded with the Minister of Education through Ghana Education Service (GES), Metro Directorate of Education and the Mayor of Kumasi to intervene to ensure that such developments on school lands are stopped.

Meanwhile, when reached for his comment, the Headmaster directed this reporter to the head of Board of Governors of the school, believed to be much aware of the development by the private developer.

In a related development, Members of Amanfuo Traders Association at Sofoline have petitioned the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to intervene and resolve a protracted land dispute between the association and Prempeh College authorities.

According to the group, a contractor is developing a land situated at Sofoline, behind Prempeh College Junior High School (JHS), which is currently being occupied by over 500 traders  for commercial activities, without permit and approval.