South African Investors Pay Compensation

Western Development Consortium Limited, a South African investment firm, has paid a total of GH�100,000 as compensation to property owners at Tanokrom Kokompe in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis. The payment would pave way for the investors to start clearing the 21.5 acre land to start the construction of an ultra-modern shopping mall in the twin-city. The Land Valuation Board conducted the valuation of the property and each property owner received an amount based on the value of his/her assets. Mr. Peter Obosu, Director of Peekob Company Limited, who facilitated the payment, told journalists in Takoradi that it had conducted Environmental Impact Assessment and expected to start the project soon. He said the investors had acquired a 58-acre land at the cost of GH�500,000 at Kansaweredo for relocation of artisans occupying the project site. He indicated that the company would provide access road, electricity, toilet facility and other social amenities to facilitate the work of the artisans. Mr. Obosu indicated that over 1,000 direct and 10,000 indirect jobs would be created with the construction of the shopping mall. The Spokesperson for the property owners, Nana John Cudjoe, expressed satisfaction over the compensation and assured them of their preparedness to relocate to the new site. The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) has directed all artisans at Tanokrom Kokompe to relocate before July 15, to avoid forceful ejection.