Land Encroachers Endangering Their Lives: GAEC Boss Issues Urgent Warning

Introduction

The Director-General of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), Professor Samuel Boakye Dampare, has issued a critical alert regarding the proliferation of illegal settlements and market activities surrounding the National Radioactive Waste Management Centre. This encroachment poses significant risks to public safety and national security.

In a recent interview with the Daily Graphic, following an inspection tour of e-waste recycling facilities led by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, Professor Dampare emphasized the dangers inherent in violating the boundaries of this highly restricted zone. This article explores the implications of these actions, the specific risks involved, and the government’s stance on protecting these strategic lands.

Key Points

Background

The National Radioactive Waste Management Centre

The National Radioactive Waste Management Centre is a cornerstone of Ghana’s healthcare and industrial sectors. It serves as the secure storage facility for radioactive materials used in various medical diagnostic procedures and industrial applications. Once these materials have served their purpose in hospitals and factories, they are returned to the Centre for safekeeping and financial settlement. Because of the nature of these materials, the Centre is classified as a highly managed zone designed to prevent unauthorized access.

Recent Inspection Tour

The warning was issued during an inspection tour of e-waste recycling and related facilities at GAEC. The event took place last Thursday (January 8) and was led by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, who is also the acting Minister of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST). The visit highlighted the intersection of waste management and land security, bringing high-level government attention to the area’s vulnerability.

Analysis

The Risks of Encroachment

Professor Dampare highlighted a disturbing trend where urban development and market activities are prioritizing immediate economic gains over long-term safety. The primary risk is direct human exposure to radioactive sources. “We manage these sources because they are dangerous. People shouldn’t get close to them, but they don’t care,” stated the GAEC boss.

The presence of unauthorized structures complicates the security protocols required for such sites. According to Professor Dampare, these areas are supposed to have consistent military presence due to their status as safety zones. However, the current encroachment suggests that security measures have not always been sufficient to deter unauthorized entry.

Public Health and Financial Implications

The consequences of a breach in this facility would be severe. Professor Dampare warned that if people are exposed to radioactive materials, the government would be forced to allocate significant financial resources to treat them. Furthermore, the infrastructure of the encroached settlements creates a logistical barrier to emergency response.

“Assuming people are exposed to radioactive materials, the government would have to find money to treat them. And if we have built structures here and an accident occurs, evacuating people would be a nightmare,” he explained. This statement underscores the reality that safety zones are established not to restrict development arbitrarily, but to facilitate rapid response in the event of a hazardous incident.

Sustainability vs. Short-term Gain

The core conflict identified by Professor Dampare is between rapid urbanization and sustainable land use. “The focus is on buildings and infrastructure, and this attitude is defeating the country,” he noted. The Centre is vital for the nation’s health infrastructure, allowing hospitals to perform critical treatments. By compromising the integrity of the Centre’s perimeter, encroachers are effectively threatening the operational continuity of essential medical and industrial services.

Practical Advice

Understanding Safety Zones

For citizens and developers, it is crucial to understand the function of restricted zones around critical national infrastructure. These zones are not merely bureaucratic boundaries; they are buffer areas designed to protect human life in the event of an accident.

* **Verify Land Status:** Before purchasing land or beginning construction, always verify the zoning regulations with local planning authorities and relevant agencies like GAEC.
* **Respect Signage:** Heed all warning signs and barriers indicating restricted access.
* **Report Suspicious Activity:** If you witness unauthorized construction near sensitive infrastructure, report it to the appropriate security or municipal authorities.

Community Awareness

Communities living near industrial zones must be educated on the specific hazards associated with their location. While the immediate economic benefits of settling in unregulated areas may seem attractive, the long-term health risks and the potential for forced eviction outweigh these benefits.

FAQ

Conclusion

The warning issued by Professor Samuel Boakye Dampare serves as a vital reminder of the invisible dangers that exist around critical national infrastructure. The encroachment on the lands surrounding the National Radioactive Waste Management Centre is not merely a land dispute; it is a looming public health crisis.

The government, through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, has made its position clear: the protection of these lands is paramount for the safety of current and future generations. As Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah noted, “This era will go and others will come.” It is imperative that development aligns with safety regulations to ensure that Ghana’s progress does not come at the cost of its citizens’ lives.

Sources

* Daily Graphic
* Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC)
* Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources