Construction of 32 stores at Ampabame, near Sokoban in Kumasi, has been stopped by residents who have accused their chief, Nana Nketiah Brempong Nketiah of indiscriminately selling customary lands to hamper development.

The project is to be executed on land belonging to Ampabame R/C Basic School by an investor called Osei Yaw.

Spokesman of the concerned residents, Thomas Kwame Frimpong, said the chief leased a portion of the school’s land to the investor to construct the stores and manage for 50 years.

He accused Nana Nketiah Brempong Nketiah of pursuing interests that conflict with those of his subjects, pointing out that the peri-urban town lacks vital social amenities such toilets, hospitals, potable water to make life meaningful for residents.

He said: “As we speak, Nana Nketiah has sold more than 4,000 plots of land, including those earmarked for market, lorry station, sanitation and cemetery by his predecessor, Nana Sapaa Ageretwia.”

Mr. Frimpong alleged that the chief had disrespected the stool and subjects in the pursuit of his selfish agenda.

“The indiscriminate sale of land in this town has not only deprived the community of development, but made life unbearable. We will not sit down for land meant for the expansion of our community school to be sold to a private developer and investor,” he stressed.

He appealed to the overlord, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to place a moratorium on the sale of lands and illegal construction activities and bring the chief to order.

“We are ready to battle the encroachment of the school’s land by private developers, individuals and business owners. It is for the future of our unborn children.”

“The community members believe the construction of the stores would undermine government’s plan to offer educational opportunities to ordinary Ghanaians and enhance teaching and learning for future generations in Ampabame.”