Upper East:     Encroachment on abandoned GBC relay stations in Upper East

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ANN:                          Following the collapsed of GBC relay stations constructed in the late 70’s, some unscrupulous persons have taken advantage of the situation and have encroached on those lands. A visit by GBC24 to some abandoned relay stations in areas such as Navrongo, Sandema, Zebilla and Bawku saw structures being taken over by individuals and

ROLL TAPE                  institutions. The visit was to assess the level of encroachment on GBCs

TAKE TAPE                 properties since such lands were being encroached with impunity.

ANCR V/O             The team first visited the relay station at Navrongo in the Kassena-Nankana Municipality where buildings meant for staff of the corporation have been occupied. The two bedroom low cost buildings which were being used by the technical staff during the 70’s were in a poor state. When our news team visited the site, we cited the existence of a skeletal library project which was at its foundation stage. Also were some telecommunication masts installed on the same piece of land.  

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                                         The situation at the old relay station at Sandema in the Builsa North District was not different. The studio block which comprises four rooms had been renovated by the Ghana Police Service. Some personnel of the service have been occupying the structure since 1990. Moreover, the twin staff quarters had deteriorated beyond repairs. Interestingly, some residents of the area have turned the abandoned relay station into a private place of convenience. 

                                         We also made a brief trip to another relay station close to the Residence of the Builsa North District Chief Executive.  At the site were two semi detached houses which were started by GBC but was abandoned half way due to the existence of the fm stations. The structures are now serving as accommodation for staff of the assembly. Other structures on the land are also serving as accommodation for some government officials.

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                                           At Zebilla in the Bawku West District the extent of encroachment was worrying. The twin staff quatres each containing two bedrooms and ancillaries are now being used as offices for staff of the Judicial Service, the Community Information Centre, and World Vision Ghana, an NGO.  This happened a few years back after the Bawku West Assembly had relocated to their permanent structure. Our last point was at Bawku where a four room studio block belonging to GBC had been taken over by personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service, GNFS. This main structure was put up by management of the service. They have even gone a step further by building a wall around the site. The old studio block is now being occupied by military personnel involve in peace keeping operations in Bawku.  The other two staff quatres which are currently being occupied by personnel of the GNFS are in a deplorable state.

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ANCR V/O                       Meanwhile, lands belonging to GBC URA Radio in Bolgatanga is faced with serious encroachment. For the records, the station is the first GBC Regional FM station in Ghana. Before its existence URA radio was a component of a World Bank sponsored project; the Upper Region Agricultural Development Programme, URADEP.

             

                                           The activities of encroachers had been a source of worry to managers of the station.  Metal containers and other unauthorized structures have forced their way to the station’s acquired lands.   This popular drinking pub, is a clear example. Some farmers in the areas have taken advantage of the situation to farm on the land.

                                       GTV24                                      END                          ISAAC ASARE