Many Communities along the Accra to Kumasi Highway stretch within the Nsawam Adoagyiri Municipality and Ayensuano District in the Eastern Region are calling on President John Dramani Mahama to intervene in what they describe as illegal land grabbing activities by KOANS Building Solutions Limited and some members of the Mankata Family of Panpanso.
The communities include Teacher Mante, Asantekrom, Yawkorkor, Ningo, Panpaso, Agyarkwakrom, Panpaso Numesi, Kyekyewere among others.
According to the aggrieved chiefs and residents, the estate developer, allegedly supported by the Mankata Family, has been using land guards and have forcibly taken possession thousands portions of their ancestral lands occupied since 1914 without their consent.
These lands were used for farming. The Estate Developer has reportedly destroyed all crops on the land depriving the residents their livelihoods.
In some cases, the communities have established schools, churches, and residential homes on the land, with some portions reserved as sacred grounds, shrines, and royal burial sites but all have been forcefully destroyed.
At a press conference held on Tuesday, October 21, the visibly angry residents alleged that part of the disputed lands has been handed over to the Ga Mantse, who they claim has begun constructing a massive wall around over a 100-acre land for eco-park without paying compensation to the affected land owners.
Paul Som Abedi, a former Assembly member said the real estate developer, defied court injunction to continue development on the land claiming his government is in power.
In a petition addressed to President Mahama, the chiefs and people of the affected communities stated that they are the rightful and lawful owners of the land, which has been occupied and developed by their forefathers for more than a century.
They expressed anger over what they called an “attempted invasion” by KOANS Building Solutions and vowed to use every legitimate means to defend their lands.
“We shall not stand aloof or unconcerned and allow KOANS Building Solutions, the Mankata Family, or their agents entry onto our lands without our knowledge or consent,” the chiefs declared.
The communities further warned that tensions in the area are escalating and could pose a threat to peace and security if the government fails to act promptly.
They therefore appealed to the President to initiate immediate investigations and take the necessary actions to address their concerns before the situation gets out of hand.
Meanwhile, the National Security in Eastern Region have warned real estate developers and other private developers using armed land guards to forment trouble on disputed lands in the region.
Addressing the media last week, the Eastern Regional Laison officer for National Security Francis Annor Dompreh listed land dispute as one of the emerging security threats in the region particularly around Aburi, Nsawam and Ayensuano cautioning that the perpetrators will be dealt with to restore order.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
