Dr. Stephen Takyi questions decision to use State Lands at Nhyieaso for Private Residential Development
Dr. Stephen Takyi, a senior lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST)
Dr. Stephen Takyi, a senior lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has strongly criticized the decision to use the Nhyieaso Lands, donated by the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu, for building residential houses.
According to Dr. Takyi, this move has done more harm than good to the city of Kumasi adding that, ‘’ there is no need to transfer state lands to any private individual because land appreciates in value it does not depreciate’’.
Speaking on Kumasi-based OTEC 102.9 FM’s morning show Nyansapo, on Tuesday, Dr. Takyi emphasized that the vast lands could have been utilized to develop a well-crafted second Central Business District for Kumasi,
He noted that the efficient use of that land could have provided the city with another opportunity to create a well-designed urban space. Instead, the decision to build residential houses has woefully failed to benefit the entire Ashanti Region.
Dr. Takyi, who is also the vice president of the Ghana Institute of Planning, stressed that selling the lands was a misguided decision by the city’s handlers.
He added that, ‘’public lands are meant to provide public benefits to the entire nation not private benefit to a few’’.
As an expert in urban and regional planning, Dr. Takyi’s concerns highlight the need for careful consideration and strategic planning in urban development projects.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Jacob Agyenim Boateng
