A coalition of traditional leaders in the Greater Accra Region, including Nii Ashirifi Ashong I (Manklalo of Amrahia), Nii Djane Tsuru Afutu Brempong IV (Chief of Danfa), and Nii Amarh Sango IV (Teshie/Kweiman Akwashong Tse), have accused government officials of illegally appropriating family lands.

According to the traditional leaders, the disputed land, originally acquired by the state in 1970 for dairy farming under Executive Instrument (E.I. 47), has allegedly been appropriated for private use by these officials.

In a demonstration on July 30, 2024, to express their frustration and present a petition addressed to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the chiefs claim that despite a government promise in 2020 to return 40% of the unutilized land to the original families, the actual land returned was less.

Furthermore, they allege that 254 acres of this land have been secretly retained by government officials and are now being illegally demarcated and allocated for private projects.

“We have recently become aware and there is ample evidence that Government officials and officers of the Lands Commission, who have personal interests in the subject land, have secretly retained approximately 254 acres out of the 40% that was supposed to have been released to the families for their private and personal projects.

“That presently, the 254 acres illegally retained is being demarcated into smaller parcels with boundary pillars and same is being allocated to themselves and their cronies. The evidence on the ground is available for all to see.

“Further information gathered indicate that the said 254 acres of land is being plotted in the records of the Lands Commission in the names of some government officials, private individuals and companies fronting the illegal acquisitions.

“It is the position and plea of the affected families that if the Government/State does no longer have use for the Diary Farms land, it should release same to the families as the original owners and not allow its officials supported by their agents to steal the land from us,” part of the petition said.

The petition also highlights concerns over illegal sand and gravel-winning activities on the land, allegedly under the protection of armed police.

The chiefs question the legality of these activities and call for an investigation by the Inspector General of Police.

The traditional leaders are urging the Vice President to intervene and ensure the Lands Commission releases the proper land documents to the affected families.

They also call for an immediate halt to the illegal sand and gravel-winning activities and demand that the land taken by government officials be returned to its rightful owners.

“We appeal to the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Hon. Bryan Acheampong (MP), and Minister of Agric to intervene.

“We do not want the collective actions of the affected families to make the ruling government unpopular, especially, considering the season we are in. We are only seeking the immediate and urgent support of the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana to:

“Prevail upon Lands Commission to release the land documents covering the lands released to the families.

“Direct the Lands Commission and Government officials who have secretly taken a greater portion of the 40% of the land meant for the families to return same to the families as lawful owners.

“Cause the Inspector General of Police to move quickly to stop the illegal sand and gravel winning activities at the Amrahia Dairy Farms land and sanction the policemen offering protection for such illegal operations,” the petition added.

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Chief Of Danfa, Nii Djane Tsuru Afutu Brempong IV (Chief of Danfa)Address the Press “Chiefs Speak Out: GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS GRABBING STATE AND FAMILY LANDS KWEIMAN-AMRAHIA-MODERN DAIRY FARMS.

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@akwasibugatitv Danfa Chief Names People Behind The Land Dispute Between Then and The Government. Land Ownership Dispute: Chiefs and people of Danfa, Kweiman, and Amrahia Urge Govt to Return Ancestral Lands #akwasibugatilive ♬ original sound - Akwasi Bugati