School Land Under Siege: Maase R/C JHS Fights Off Alleged Church Encroachment
Authorities of Maase R/C Junior High School in the Offinso South Municipality are raising alarm over what they describe as a forceful and unlawful encroachment on school land by an individual reportedly seeking to put up a church building.
The development has stirred tension within the Maase community, as school officials fear the situation could escalate into a major disruption of academic work if immediate action is not taken.
According to the Queen Mother of Maase, Nana Dufie Ankrah, the individual involved believed to be a pastor has on several occasions been warned by the traditional council to stay away from the land, which is recognized as part of the school’s property.
Despite these repeated cautions, the pastor allegedly returned to the site on Monday, April 20, and began preparations to commence construction.
Nana Dufie Ankrah explained in an interview with Akoma News that traditional leaders were quickly alerted to the development and are taking steps to summon the individual to appear before the council to explain his actions and substantiate his claim to the land.
She revealed that the pastor insists he legitimately acquired the land from a chief at Offinso Obuase. However, this claim has raised further questions, as he has reportedly failed to present any documentation to validate his ownership.
Meanwhile, the Assembly Member for the area, Emmanuel Boateng, together with the headmaster of Maase R/C JHS, has strongly opposed the construction project. They argue that erecting a church facility within or close to the school premises would have serious implications for teaching and learning.
They cited potential noise pollution during school hours, safety risks to students, and the already limited space available for academic and extracurricular activities as major concerns.
Both the Assembly Member and the school authorities are therefore appealing to the Offinso South Municipal Assembly and relevant traditional authorities to intervene without delay to safeguard the school’s land and ensure that the rights of the students are protected.
The issue is expected to be taken up by the traditional council in the coming days, as efforts intensify to resolve the dispute amicably and maintain peace and order in the community.
