Takoradi residents unhappy with sale of Casurina belt to private investor

Residents of the Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolis have expressed disapproval at the sale of portions of the Casuarina Belt to private individuals and companies.

The Belt which lies along the Vodafone area and the Public Works Department office among other areas was created in 1922 by the then Governor Guggisberg to serve as a recreational centre and for any other social activity with the development and expansion of the Takoradi township.

The residents at a press conference, said though the belt served its purpose for over 70 years, it was during 1992 that the Metropolitan Assembly began selling portions of the land to private developers.

Mr Francis Eghan, a concerned citizen and leader at the press conference, said with Takoradi becoming highly choked with both human and vehicular traffic due to the oil find, “it was preposterous for the Lands Commissioner and the political authorities to dispose of the few lands which should be to solve the congestion”.

He said attempt to discuss this unpleasant phenomenon with the assembly had over the years been frustrated and unsuccessful.

Nana Atta Obo IV, Divisional Chief of Takoradi Amanfro, said aside the recreational centre aimed at improving the lifestyle of the people, a portion of the land was also designated to build an African Hospital comparable to the European Hospital in Takoradi.

He said the future of the Region was great and urged government to step in and reverse the sale of lands in the belt.

Source: GNA