Accra, Aug. 20, GNA - The Kingmakers of Appolonia within the Tema Metropolis have called on the public and developers within the area to desist from dealing with the "so-called" 12-Member Committee said to be responsible for the management and protection of the stool lands in the area in trust for the people.

In a statement on behalf of the three Royal Families of Appolonia, namely Kojo We, Bediako We and Sanshie-Sackey We, Alhaji Tettey Kwao of the Bediako

We explained that the public should not have any dealings with the 12-member committee reported to have been inaugurated by the Tema Metropolitan Co-ordinating Director, Mr. Kwaku Akportorsu. Alhaji Tettey Kwao said the 12-member committee was an attempt to usurp the authority of the Kingmakers, elders and chiefs of Appolonia under the cloak of managing stool lands in the area.

He pointed out that, the customary procedure concerning land alienation was well-known to all subjects of the Appolonia Stool. He stated that this procedure had sustained and preserved the resources of Appolonia and did not need any alien procedure to adulterate the traditions and custom of the people.

Alhaji Tettey Kwao stated that, even though part of Kpone lands, the area in question was directly controlled and administered by the chiefs and elders of Appolonia.

He referred the Committee to the Supreme Court judgement on the matter delivered on April 12, 2000 and stressed that the chiefs and elders of Appolonia could not be ordered or directed to toe a particular line and that they were not ready to surrender their customary rights to anybody.