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The University of Ghana (UG) has had an engagement with the National Security outfit to help address recent acts of vandalism on university-owned lands at Borteyman, including property damage to Felord Construction and Engineering — the company contracted to develop staff accommodation on the site, following University Council approval.
The collaboration, spearheaded by the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, called for immediate intervention from National Security and a thorough investigation into the alleged vandalism, reportedly carried out by individuals posing as national security operatives.
The engagement was followed by a visit to the affected site to assess the extent of the damage firsthand.
The campus news portal Univers News reports that in a briefing held prior to the site inspection, Prof. Amfo provided background on the University’s Borteyman land holdings.
She explained that the area lies adjacent to land allocated to the Ministry of Youth and Sports for the construction of a sports complex, which was partly used for the 2023 African Games.
Prof. Amfo emphasized that the University has made consistent efforts over the years to secure the remaining portions of its land.
“To optimize its value, the University — with the approval of Council — has released 100 acres to Felord Construction and Engineering for the development of residential facilities for University staff,” she said.
She further expressed concern about the escalating activities of land encroachers who have destroyed structures and disrupted construction efforts.
She thanked the Director of Special Operations at the National Security, Mr. Richard Jakpa, for responding swiftly and reiterated the University’s commitment to safeguarding its property.
After touring the site, Mr. Jakpa confirmed that his office had received a distress call from the University’s management and was on site to investigate. “We are here to verify facts, gather evidence, and identify those responsible for the disturbances,” he said.
He assured that investigations are ongoing and warned against individuals who impersonate National Security personnel to engage in unlawful activities.
Mr. Jakpa also pledged that adequate security measures would be put in place to protect the land and personnel working on it.
Providing historical context, Mr. Ernest Boakye, Deputy Director of Estate Management at the University’s Physical Development and Municipal Services Directorate (PDMSD), noted that the Borteyman land was originally acquired by the government in 1940. Of the total land area, 945.82 acres were leased to the University of Ghana in 1953.
