The official residence designated for District Chief Executives (DCEs) in the Ada East District is currently being used for farming activities, leaving the incumbent DCE without an official accommodation.

The residence, located at Totimekorpe, was constructed to house successive DCEs but has reportedly remained unoccupied for nearly a decade after Madam Sarah Dugbakie Pobee, a former DCE, declined to use the facility for reasons not publicly stated.

A visit by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) to the premises revealed visible cracks in parts of the structure, while the compound and adjoining areas had been converted into farmland.

The individual cultivating the land was identified as Mr Bright Ahiagbah, a former executive member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ada Constituency.

In an interview with GNA, Mr Kenneth Kabu Kofi Kanor, the current DCE for Ada East, confirmed that he had been unable to occupy the residence due to its deteriorated condition.

He said although renovation of the building had initially been considered, the District Planning Department later estimated the cost at nearly one million Ghana Cedis, prompting the assembly to suspend the plan.

Mr Kanor explained that given the assembly’s limited financial resources, priority had been given to projects that directly affected the safety and welfare of residents rather than investing heavily in refurbishing the official residence.

He further confirmed that the facility was currently being used for farming by individuals affiliated with the opposition party.

Some residents who spoke to GNA said the residence had previously been occupied by former DCEs, including Mr Rex Dan Wussah, Mr Kofi Plahar, and Mr Nurudeen Ahortu.

“After Mr Ahortu, Madam Sarah Pobee came in as DCE, but she never used the place. Later, we saw people farming there, but we cannot say whether there was any formal agreement with the assembly,” a resident, who identified himself as Emma, told GNA.

Meanwhile, Mr Ebenezer Teye-Nartey Kisseh, the Ada Constituency Chairman of the NPP, said he was aware of the farming activities but described them as a personal initiative by the farmer.

He explained that the individual had reportedly sought permission from the then District Chief Executive to cultivate the land temporarily to keep the area tidy and prevent encroachment.

Mr Kisseh stressed that the property remained under the control of the district assembly and cautioned against politicising the issue, describing the farming activity as “patriotic and commendable.”