Residents of OLA, a fishing community in Cape Coast, have issued a strong warning to officials of the State Housing Corporation (SHC), urging them to cease what they describe as persistent and unjustified demands for land fee payments.
The warning was made during an engagement with Coastal Television’s outreach programme, Community Connect, held at the OLA CNN Centre. Community members expressed frustration over what they say are repeated visits by SHC personnel requesting payments they insist have long been settled.
Speaking on behalf of some elderly residents, 73-year-old fisherman Agya Cosmose recounted the historical background of the community’s relocation. According to him, in 1963, residents who originally lived in Cape Coast township—around areas now occupied by key government and commercial infrastructure such as the Ministries, GCB Bank, and SSNIT buildings—were asked by the government to relocate.
He explained that the State Housing Corporation was tasked with constructing houses for the displaced residents at their current OLA location. An agreement was reached at the time for occupants to pay for the houses in installments.
“We honored our part of the agreement and completed all payments many years ago,” Agya Cosmose stated. “It is therefore surprising and unacceptable for SHC officials to return now demanding additional land fees.”
Residents insist they have fulfilled all financial obligations tied to the housing arrangement and view the recent demands as both unfair and troubling. They are calling on the appropriate authorities to intervene and ensure that SHC personnel desist from further actions that could disrupt the peace of the community.
The residents also appealed to the Omanhen of the Oguaa Traditional Council, Osabarimba Dr. Kwesi Atta II—who doubles as a member of the Council of State—to intervene in the matter and help bring a lasting resolution.
The community has cautioned that failure to address their concerns may lead to heightened tensions, as residents remain resolute in defending what they believe to be their rightful ownership of the land and properties.
Asorba Media.com will continue to monitor developments on this issue.
By Frank Asorba Kofi Essuman
