A/R: Eviction Notice Issued to Medical Doctors and Government Workers Due to Land Dispute with Otumfuo
The Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (ARCC) has served an eviction notice to medical doctors and government workers who occupy government bungalows in the region. This follows the release of lands their bungalows occupy back to Otumfuo, the Ashanti King. The doctors are reportedly threatening to leave the region en masse if the eviction notice is carried out, citing the current economic crisis that makes it difficult to find private accommodations.
According to sources, some of the doctors used their own funds to renovate the bungalows that were allocated to them, and they feel that being evicted is unfair, equating their treatment to that of common criminals. One senior medical officer expressed concern over the situation, stating, “How can you evict hardworking workers like common criminals? All doctors will be forced to leave the region or stop work if this is carried out, especially in these hard times,” but requested anonymity.
The eviction notice, which was sanctioned by the Regional Minister with reference to a letter from the Regional Coordinating Council, stated that the lands have been taken over by the Golden Stool in respect of the redevelopment of Sector 18 of Kumasi. The notice was issued to all public institutions, informing the occupants of government bungalows within the area about the development.
The dispute over land ownership between Otumfuo and the government has caused uncertainty and concern among medical doctors and government workers who currently reside in the affected bungalows. The lack of affordable alternative accommodations amid the economic crisis has added to their distress. The situation remains unresolved, and the outcome could have significant implications on the availability and accessibility of healthcare services in the region if the doctors and government workers are forced to leave or stop work. The affected parties are eagerly awaiting a resolution to the dispute to determine the fate of their living and working arrangements. Meanwhile, the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council and Otumfuo’s representatives are yet to provide a solution to the impasse.