The Ghana International School (GIS) has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding its property against any attempts at encroachment. This stance follows a recent incident in which an unidentified individual allegedly attempted to take possession of the school’s land under dubious circumstances.
The incident, which occurred at 2 a.m., has raised serious concerns within the GIS community. According to Frank Amponsah Mensah, Principal and Head of the school, the individual’s actions were highly suspicious. Speaking to Citi News, Mensah questioned the legitimacy of the attempt, stating, “We don’t know whether he is claiming that the property is for him personally or he is fighting for somebody, but if you acquire property, do you take possession of your property at 2 am? 2 am everybody is supposed to be asleep unless you are a security man guarding your post or you have evil intentions.”
Mensah further explained the bizarre nature of the incident, where the unidentified individual allegedly opened the gates to the school’s premises and directed his people to deposit sand on the property. “But you can’t come to somebody’s house, open his gates, and tell your people to put sand onto his property and that if he has a problem he should go to the police station,” Mensah added, expressing disbelief at the brazen actions of the trespasser.
In response to this incident, GIS has pledged to take all necessary measures to protect its property from any form of encroachment. The school’s administration is determined to ensure that its land remains secure and that such actions do not recur in the future.
The incident has also drawn the attention of national authorities. Following reports of the encroachment attempt, the Office of the President swiftly issued a statement denying any involvement in the land dispute. On September 5, 2024, the Office of the President clarified that it holds no interest in the disputed land and has not directed any officer or agent to interfere with the property in the Cantonments area.
The statement from the Office of the President sought to dispel any rumors or allegations that it might have been involved in the matter, stating emphatically that it “has no interest in the disputed land and has not instructed any officer or agent to interfere in matters related to the property within the Cantonments area.”
The incident has sparked public concern about the security of property ownership and the potential for disputes over land in prime areas like Cantonments. For GIS, this is not the first time the school has faced issues related to encroachment, but it appears to be the most alarming due to the mysterious nature of the recent attempt.
GIS has been a prominent educational institution in Ghana for decades, renowned for its quality education and international standards. The school’s administration and board of governors are known to be vigilant in protecting its assets and ensuring a conducive environment for learning. The recent incident has prompted the school to reassert its resolve to prevent any future occurrences that may threaten its operations or the safety of its students and staff.
The school has taken immediate steps to bolster its security measures, including tightening surveillance and liaising with local law enforcement to ensure the safety of its property. The administration is also working with legal counsel to explore all avenues to protect its interests and hold any potential trespassers accountable.
Meanwhile, GIS has called on the public and relevant authorities to support its efforts to safeguard its property. The school maintains that it has always acted within the bounds of the law and expects others to do the same.
The school has also reached out to its community, reassuring parents, students, and staff of its unwavering commitment to their safety and the preservation of the school’s facilities. In a statement to the school community, Principal Frank Amponsah Mensah reiterated, “We are committed to ensuring that our school remains a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and visitors. We will not allow any unauthorized persons to encroach on our land or disrupt our educational activities.”
As the situation unfolds, GIS continues to monitor developments closely and is prepared to take further legal or security actions if necessary. The school remains confident that, with the support of its community and the relevant authorities, it will overcome any challenges posed by encroachment attempts.
The case has also prompted wider conversations about land security in urban areas, especially for institutions like schools, which require safe environments to operate effectively. Stakeholders in Ghana’s real estate and property management sectors have emphasized the need for clearer regulations and stronger enforcement to prevent similar disputes in the future.
While the incident at GIS has brought to light the issue of land encroachment, it also serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and cooperation among property owners, law enforcement, and the government to ensure the protection of private and institutional lands across the country.
The GIS administration remains steadfast in its resolve, vowing to defend its property rights and continue providing a secure and nurturing environment for learning. As the investigation into the incident continues, the school’s leadership assures all stakeholders that they are fully prepared to handle any challenges that may arise.
