Volta Regional Minister Inaugurates 7-Member Committee to Probe Keta Reclaimed Land Issues
Keta, Volta Region – Tuesday, May 14, 2025
The Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, has inaugurated a seven-member committee to investigate matters surrounding the controversial management and use of reclaimed land in Keta. The move follows increasing concerns about discrepancies between official land layouts and the physical developments on site.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony held on Tuesday, May 13th 2025, at the Keta Municipal Assembly Hall, Mr Gunu disclosed that a tour of the area revealed a stark contrast between the planned layout presented on paper and the actual situation on the ground. He described the situation as worrying and called for urgent action to protect the integrity of the reclaimed land.
The newly inaugurated committee is chaired by Dr. Joe Attipoe, a seasoned administrator. Made up of experienced and professional lawyers, land economists, and auditors and traditional rulers,, it has been given a one-month mandate to investigate the roles played by the Keta Municipal Assembly, private individuals, and other relevant stakeholders in the ongoing land transactions. The committee is expected to present a comprehensive report to the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC) upon completion of its work.
“This land, reclaimed from the sea, must be protected and reclaimed again not for individual gain, but for the benefit of the people of Keta and mother Ghana. Land is a finite resource, and the future of Keta depends on the decisions we make today,” Mr Gunu said.
He emphasized the need for responsible land management practices and urged all involved to uphold principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability.
Membership of the committee includes: Dr Joe Attipoe-Chairperson, Togbi Dallah Anini IV-Educationist/Traditional ruler, Mr Gilbert Korblah Quarshie-Lands commissioner, Mr Wisdom Agbo-, Dr Stanislav Yaw Adiaba-Land economist/Lecturer, Mr Wonder Japhet Sallah-Surveyor, Ms Marry Agbemava-Auditor
Dr. Joe Attipoe in his acceptance speech, assured the people of Keta of the committee’s commitment to thoroughness and integrity. “We will not disappoint you. The confidence reposed in us will be honoured,” he stated.
The inauguration of the committee comes amid increasing public interest and calls for clarity regarding ownership, allocation, and use of the reclaimed land, which has significant implications for urban planning and coastal resilience in the Keta Municipality.
Stakeholders and residents have welcomed the move, expressing hope that the committee’s findings will chart a new course for sustainable development and restore trust in local land governance systems.
The reclaimed land in question forms part of the Keta Sea Defence Project, developed between 1998 and 2004. The project included the reclamation of sections of the Keta Lagoon and low-lying coastal areas to create safe resettlement zones for victims of severe tidal waves at the time. Covering more than 150 hectares, the reclaimed area spans communities such as Kedzi, Vodza, Adzido, and Central Keta.
