A series of fires in the Ritz Junction area of Madina, a suburb of Accra, may be linked to a deliberate campaign to seize government land, according to local officials.
Ibrahim Faila Fuseini, Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for La Nkwantanang-Madina, alleged on Monday that three separate fires at the site in as many months appear to be part of a coordinated effort by an individual attempting to assert control over state-owned property.
“All indications suggest that this is a deliberate act by one person,” Mr. Fuseini said in an interview with Citi News. “After each incident, this individual reportedly approaches the Lands Commission to clear the area.”
The MCE stated that the land is officially held by the government and cannot be claimed for private use. He added that the municipal assembly has requested an official investigation from the Ghana National Fire Service and expects a full report in the coming week.
“If the report confirms the same name again, I will take legal action and seek the person’s arrest,” Mr. Fuseini said. “This land will not be handed over under my watch.”
The latest blaze occurred on August 3, when a fire swept through makeshift wooden and metal structures near the Madina Redco Flats. The Ghana National Fire Service said it received an emergency call at 12:36 p.m., with the first response team arriving at 12:40 p.m.
The alleged land dispute underscores broader concerns over illegal encroachments on public lands in Ghana’s rapidly urbanizing regions. Mr. Fuseini has pledged to resolve the matter within a month.
