Residents of Eguafo in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) Municipality of the Central Region have raised alarm over a prolonged land dispute that has stalled a multi-million industrial park project in the area for the past two years.
The youth, speaking at a press conference, called on Member of Parliament Samuel Atta Mills and traditional authorities to urgently intervene and help resolve the impasse, which they say is crippling development and worsening unemployment in the community.
The abandoned project, situated on a 10-acre stretch of land opposite Eguafo Senior High School, was envisioned as a major industrial hub with key facilities, including a furniture factory expected to produce thousands of school desks and chairs for institutions across the municipality and beyond. The initiative was also designed to support the Free Senior High School policy by reducing the cost of furniture procurement.
Beyond its educational benefits, the project was projected to create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs for local youth, empower women through skills training in woodworking and assembly, and provide apprenticeship opportunities for school dropouts. It was also expected to stimulate local businesses such as food vending, transport, and logistics services.
However, construction came to an abrupt halt following an injunction issued by the Cape Coast High Court 2, due to a legal dispute between Mr Victor Paa Kwesi Mensah, a resident of Ablekuma Fan Milk Junction in Accra, and Abusuapayin Kofi Ntoboah, head of the Anona Family in Eguafo, alongside an unnamed developer.
According to the youth spokesperson, Mr Emmanuel Quainoo, the once-busy site has since been left deserted, with construction materials deteriorating and some reportedly stolen. He described the situation as a major setback to the community’s development and urged all parties involved to seek an out-of-court settlement.
He stressed that the project had the potential to employ over 200 people directly, while also boosting the local economy through supply chains in timber, steel, and transportation, as well as generating revenue for the KEEA Municipal Assembly.
Several affected residents shared emotional accounts of the hardship caused by the stalled project. Mr Kwame Asare, a former site foreman, said he has struggled to support his family since losing his job.
“This dispute has taken away our source of livelihood. Life has become very difficult for us,” he lamented.
Madam Abena Mena also expressed concern about her brother, a mason who worked on the site but is now unemployed and battling frustration after the project’s suspension.
Local trader Maame Akosua recounted how her sachet water business collapsed after work on the site ceased, forcing her to resort to door-to-door sales to survive.
During the press conference, dozens of youth gathered at the abandoned site, calling on the parties involved to set aside their differences and resolve the dispute amicably. They warned that their future and livelihoods depend on the revival of the project.
Municipal authorities have also acknowledged the negative impact of the dispute, noting that it threatens investor confidence and slows down economic growth in the area.
As frustration continues to mount, the youth of Eguafo have vowed to intensify their calls for action, determined to see the project revived and their hopes for development restored.
Story filed by DjQwequ / Kobby Kyei Media
