Land has never been so much sought for with such deadly and reckless ferocity, legally or otherwise, as being witnessed in recent times.
Such acquisitions have given birth to the industry of land guards who are engaged by the highest bidder but unscrupulous to forcibly dispossess bona fide owners of such properties.
Others too engage them to protect their lands, which for want of money to undertake immediate construction must set up a semblance of occupation to ward off land prospectors constantly on the prowl. This is happening because confidence in the law enforcement agents to render the needed protection is greatly waned.
The costly and inconveniencing litigation over land is another reason people resort to land guards.
Fatalities and injuries have been recorded in the course of land owners’ efforts at protecting their properties.
Not even state acquired lands are spared the sights of land grabbers, some of whom invoke the powers of persons holding government positions to have their way.
The subject has been politicised in recent times when it became evident that state lands are being encroached upon with impunity by some government officials.
Both major political parties have traded accusations over land grabbing.
Be it as it may, it is a fact that both political parties are culprits in the act of land grabbing.
It was instructive therefore when during the sittings of the parliamentary Appointments Committee it became palpable that politicians ostensibly leading so-called campaigns against anomalous land acquisition were themselves guilty of the affront.
A story in yesterday’s publication of the Daily Guide had it that politically powerful land grabbers had set their sights on the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC).
The following could not have expressed the desperation of the GAEC any better. “The Commission is increasingly confronted with a surge in encroachments, with activities now dangerously close to the National Nuclear Waste Management Centre.”
This centre is said to house hazardous radioactive wastes, contact with which without the necessary protective protocols can be lethal.
For the land grabbers, there is no danger as far as land is concerned, indifference is one which should attract the attention of the authorities responsible for protecting the citizens.
It is for good reason that management of such centres or materials is governed by international regulations.
Without doubt we shall lose face and deference as a country with such facilities yet unable to adhere to international regulations governing their possessions and management.
Proximity to such sites is dangerous because of the hazardous materials in there, and so those in charge have no excuse not cracking the whip to ensure compliance.
We have reliably learnt that those behind the encroachments are politicians who are immune to punitive actions under the circumstances.
We won’t get such confirmation from the management of the GAEC, who can only cry out in despair.
A stitch in time saves nine.