By: Angel Quaye
The Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, has led a high-powered delegation to Batsona on Wednesday, November 26, to inspect lands belonging to the Management Development and Productivity Institute (MDPI) that have been taken over by squatters.
The team included senior officials from the Ministry, the Director-General of MDPI, Prof. Elijah Yendaw, and the Board Chairman, Sesay Salifu Abdul-Qadir.
The visit forms part of the Ministry’s renewed efforts to reclaim state lands and restore them for their original institutional and development purposes.
While on the land, Dr. Pelpuo engaged some of the squatters and stated clearly and respectfully that the Ministry was committed to repossessing all MDPI properties that had been unlawfully occupied. He emphasized that the government would not allow state assets to be misused or lost.
The Minister explained that once reclaimed, the MDPI land would be redeveloped and used to support the Institute’s mandate—promoting human resource development, productivity improvement, and capacity building. He stressed that illegal occupation of public land slows national development and assured that the government would take the necessary steps to protect its properties.
After the inspection, the delegation visited the Krowor Municipal Assembly, since part of the land falls within that municipality. They paid a courtesy call on the Municipal Coordinating Director to discuss land management and collaboration between agencies.
Dr. Pelpuo highlighted the importance of cooperation between central government institutions and local authorities to safeguard public lands. He noted that Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) play a key role in monitoring land use and enforcing planning laws.
The delegation also included the Ministry’s Chief Director, Mr. Hamidu Adaklugu, Esq.; Chief Internal Auditor, Mr. Dela Sabbah; Head of Public Affairs, Mr. Eyram D. K. Tottimeh Jnr.; and Estate Officer, Mr. Mohammed Ansah, among others.
Media personnel were present to cover the visit, showing the Ministry’s commitment to transparency and public accountability in managing state resources.
The inspection marks an important step in the Ministry’s broader plan to reclaim, secure, and redevelop MDPI lands for national capacity development and improved productivity.
