Ex-Servicemen Clash with Soldiers Over Alleged Sale of Military Land in Accra

A confrontation reportedly broke out between a group of ex-servicemen and active-duty soldiers over the alleged sale of a military land that houses the official residence of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).

A video of the incident, shared by GHOne TV on February 13, 2025, showed retired soldiers confronting soldiers and workers on the disputed land. The ex-servicemen were visibly upset, questioning how the land had been sold to a private developer who had already begun construction on the site.

In the video, one of the ex-servicemen accused the private developer of misusing the land, arguing that military lands should only be developed for their intended purpose. He called on the Minister of Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff to clarify the situation and address their concerns.

“If you have our land and you want to develop it, the land should be developed for the purpose for which it was intended.”

“We have 15 acres, and you want to take 10 acres of it. We want to know how this deal was struck. Who are the actors behind it? The Defence Minister needs to come and answer. The Chief of Defence Staff needs to come and answer,” he stated.

Ghana Armed Forces Previously Denied Land Sale Allegations

The latest incident follows earlier denials by the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) regarding claims that prime military lands in Accra had been sold to private developers.

In November 2023, the GAF issued a statement refuting reports that lands housing the official residences of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) had been sold off.

According to the statement, the GAF does not have the authority to sell military lands, as it is only a custodian of the properties it occupies. It explained that any land developments within the military were carried out in partnership with the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.

“We wish to categorically state that no military lands have been sold to a private developer by the Armed Forces, as the institution is only a custodian of the lands it is using and does not have any authority or right to dispose of them.”

It further added that the area in question was being redeveloped as part of an expansion program to provide more residential accommodations for senior military officers.

“Currently, the area in question has only two (2) residential accommodations. It is envisaged that after the redevelopment, the number of residential accommodations for senior officers will increase to thirteen (13).”

This latest confrontation adds to the ongoing debate about military land ownership and transparency in Ghana. Many observers have raised concerns over how military lands are managed and whether proper procedures are followed in cases of redevelopment.

With tensions high, stakeholders will be looking to the Ministry of Defence and the Ghana Armed Forces for further clarification and assurances on the future of military lands in the country.

The clash between ex-servicemen and soldiers over the alleged land sale highlights the sensitivity of military land issues in Ghana. While the Ghana Armed Forces has previously denied selling its lands, concerns remain over how these properties are being redeveloped and allocated. Ghanaians will be watching closely as more details emerge regarding this dispute.