Gov’t rules out compensation for structures on 24-hour economy market lands in Savannah Region

The government has firmly ruled out any compensation for private structures built on lands designated for the proposed 24-Hour Economy markets across all seven districts of the Savannah Region, describing the affected owners as encroachers.

Savannah Regional Minister, Salisu Be-Awuribe, announced the decision during a contract signing ceremony with seven contractors for market projects in Damongo on Monday. He stated that private developers had been repeatedly advised against putting up structures on lands earmarked for markets but chose to ignore the warnings.

“It must be stated here and now that we do not have any form of compensation packages for structures on the 24-Hour Economy market because most of these areas are existing market lands with no disputes over ownership,” Mr Be-Awuribe said.

The Minister explained that the various district assemblies are responsible for providing unencumbered land to contractors to allow work to begin without delays. He assured that alternative lands would be made available to affected individuals following negotiations with traditional authorities, and urged those with concerns to engage the appropriate traditional leaders for amicable resolution.

The projects cover market sites in Salaga, Faboya, Damongo, Buipe, Bole, Kpalbe, Sawla, and Daboya. A second round of bidding will be held for the Mankarigu project.

Mr Be-Awuribe warned that if compensation issues arise on any site, the government would abandon that location in favour of an alternative free from encumbrances. “If we encounter challenges in securing land that can be accessed without compensation, there is a likelihood that we will abandon that site and look for an alternative location,” he added.

The Minister also cautioned contractors against any compromise on quality or deviation from approved architectural designs, warning that such infractions would lead to immediate contract termination. He described the projects as “legacy projects” requiring both speed and quality, while pledging timely payments to facilitate completion.