Residents in the Ga South Municipal Assembly of the Greater Accra Region are expressing outrage over a reclamation exercise led by land guards in the area. Many residents, who purchased land years ago in the rapidly developing Ashalajah area near Kasoa in the Central Region and in Amasaman in the Greater Accra Region, are facing the unjust reality of land guards reclaiming their properties despite having long-held ownership.
In interviews with Classfmonline.com, affected residents raised concerns about the safety of their properties and themselves due to the illicit activities of the landguards. Allegedly, these landguards are being backed by a rival chief and some local residents, escalating tensions in the area.
The landguards’ modus operandi involves storming the homes of landowners, particularly those who purchased lands from different chiefs, demanding to re-demarcate and resell the land to new buyers. In some cases, Classfmonline.com has reported that lands belonging to people who have lived in the area for decades have been re-demarcated and sold in front of them by armed landguards wielding guns and clubs.
Those residing on unfenced plots are said to be the most vulnerable, as the landguards, reportedly supported by a rival chief, claim ownership of the land based on a court ruling. This ruling allegedly declares one Solomon Atta Mintah, who claims to represent the Nii Kwanor Royal Family, as the legal head of the family owning the allodial land in the Ashalajah area.
The situation, particularly in the Domeabra-Obom Constituency, which is known for sand-winning activities, has become tense, with community leaders expressing deep concern. Mr. Gilbert Kwame Apekpe, the Assembly Member for the area, described the situation as alarming, noting that some of the landguards are familiar faces, while others are not. According to him, the area is contested by four different chiefs, all claiming to be the rightful overlords.
Innocent landowners have had their properties seized by the landguards, with Solomon Atta Mintah accused of being the ringleader emboldening these activities.
Mr. Apekpe also expressed dissatisfaction with the failure of the authorities to intervene, despite repeated reports to the Municipal Chief Executive, Joseph Nyani, who had promised to address the matter but has yet to take action. With the landguard issue reaching alarming levels, Mr. Apekpe is appealing to the authorities to come to the aid of the affected residents, particularly the poor landowners who are bearing the brunt of the situation.
Source: Classfmonline.com/Cecil Mensah
