Traditional leaders of Bortianor, led by Nii Ogbarmey Ankonam, have called on Sylvester Tetteh, Member of Parliament (MP) for Bortianor-Ngleshie-Amanfro, to cease all demolition activities on land belonging to the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) at Dunkonah. This follows reports that structures on the site are being cleared to pave the way for a public school project.
In a letter addressed to the MP, Nii Ankonam, who serves as the Bortianor Mantse and custodian of the land, expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of consultation. He emphasized that neither he nor the Chief of Dunkonah, Nii Tetteh Djormor I, had been informed about the demolition or development plans.
“It is only right that the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation and yourself engage me and the Bortianor Stool on your reasons for this demolition or any further development. I therefore ask that all ongoing demolitions or developmental works be halted, and the proper channels be taken to enlighten me on this development,” Nii Ankonam stated.
Dispute Over GBC Land Use
The MP, Sylvester Tetteh, justified the demolition, claiming the affected structures were no longer in active use and had been rented out by GBC staff for private gain. He argued that the land would better serve the community if repurposed for a public school. However, some GBC staff currently occupying the site have protested the move, questioning the suitability of the location for the proposed development.
The disagreement escalated when the Director of Legal Affairs at GBC, Kwame Wajah, reportedly filed a complaint with the police, leading to the arrest of workers involved in the demolition. The MP labeled this action as "insubordination" and accused the director of undermining his authority, asserting that GBC falls under his ministry’s jurisdiction. He further claimed that GBC had officially consented to the project through a signed agreement.
Calls for Resolution
Despite the tension, Nii Ankonam has urged all parties to engage in dialogue to address the issue constructively. He insists that the proper procedures be followed to ensure transparency and mutual understanding.
“This act of demolition without consultation undermines the rights and authority of the Bortianor Stool as the allodial owner of the land,” Nii Ankonam reiterated, emphasizing the need for collaboration between stakeholders.
The controversy has sparked public debate, with some community members supporting the school project while others criticize the process as hasty and dismissive of local authority. As the situation unfolds, many hope for a resolution that balances the needs of the community with respect for traditional leadership and legal protocols.
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