By Alex Boye
A former Managing Director of the State Housing Company (SHC), Mark Akwei Ankrah, has been accused by some members of his family of forcibly attempting to take control of family land at Afiaman in the Ga North Municipality of the Greater Accra Region.
According to sources within the family, Dr. Ankrah allegedly arrived at the disputed land with armed military personnel, an action that has shocked relatives who expected him to promote unity rather than deepen divisions. The family claims the land in question belongs collectively to them and accuse him of using force to assert ownership.
It is further alleged that tensions escalated during the burial ceremony of a deceased Asafoanye, where Dr. Ankrah is said to have enlisted military support, leading to disruptions during the funeral proceedings.
Additional information indicates that Dr. Ankrah had earlier lodged a complaint with the Pokuasi Police Command over the alleged destruction of a wall he was constructing near a town cemetery. The complaint reportedly named the area’s chief and elders. However, sources say attempts by the police to mediate the matter were unsuccessful, as Dr. Ankrah allegedly failed to attend scheduled meetings.
The situation has revived public discussion about past allegations involving Dr. Ankrah during his tenure at SHC. Reports dating back to January 23, 2015, indicated that the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service were investigating two former SHC Managing Directors, including Dr. Ankrah and Samuel Sarpong, over claims of causing financial loss to the state.
A draft audit report at the time alleged that Dr. Ankrah facilitated a $2.6 million loan for Proteus Ghana Limited without the approval of the SHC board or the Minister of Works and Housing. He was also reported to have signed procurement contract guarantees with Eoliem Consulting FZE on March 5, 2014, committing the company to financial obligations beyond his mandate.
While these earlier matters were widely reported, it is important to note that they were allegations under investigation at the time.
Meanwhile, the current dispute at Afiaman remains unresolved, with family members calling for intervention to prevent further escalation and to ensure an amicable settlement.
