Mr. Richster Nii Amarh Amarfio, a native of Tema, has petitioned the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) to investigate a payment of GH¢889,000 made by Sonite Ghana Limited to individuals who allegedly used the names of the Chiefs, youth, and people of Tema for a land. The petition, dated September 11, 2026, identifies four individuals who purported to act on behalf of the Chiefs, youth, and people of Tema Newtown.
The individuals named in the petition are Mr. Abraham Adjei, T-Youth President; Mr. Joseph B. Mensah, Vice President; Mr. Sumaila Adjetey Aggaby, Assembly Member; and Mr. Mohammed Eliasu, Organizer. According to the petition, these individuals received the GH¢889,000, equivalent to approximately US$70,000, on behalf of the people of Tema Newtown.
Mr. Amarfio's concern is to establish why the names of the chiefs, youth, and people of Tema were used in connection with the demand and receipt of the money and why Sonite Ghana Limited made the payment. The petition urges EOCO to investigate the nature and basis of the demand, including who made it and the purpose for which the funds were allegedly required.
The petition also calls on EOCO to determine whether fraud, deception, or other organized criminal conduct occurred in connection with the demand or utilization of the funds. Additionally, the petition wants EOCO to establish whether any unlawful conduct occurred before the payment and whether the money was paid under duress, coercion, intimidation, or other unlawful pressure.
The land dispute involves Sonite Ghana Limited, which claims to own a 25,000-square-meter plot of land in Tema acquired with a Korean partner about 12 years ago. The company constructed five warehouses on the land in 2020 and began work in September 2025 to install cold rooms for fish storage. However, individuals claiming to represent the "Community" occupied the property and demanded approximately 4,000 square meters.
Sonite Ghana Limited involved the police and subsequently engaged a private security company before entering negotiations with the individuals and their "chief" on the advice of its lawyer. The negotiations resulted in an agreement under which the company paid US$70,000, equivalent to GH¢889,000, after which the land was cleared. However, the individuals later returned and again demanded the 4,000-square-meter portion, prompting the company to reject the demand and instruct its lawyer to recover the money.
Mr. Amarfio's petition stated that the matter is of significant public interest because individuals could have purported to act in the name of traditional authorities, youth, or community members in circumstances which, if established by investigation, could have criminal or other legal implications. The petition seeks to uncover the truth behind the payment and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
Key points
- The petitioner, Mr. Richster Nii Amarh Amarfio, seeks clarity on the authority under which the individuals purported to represent the traditional authorities, youth, and people of Tema.
- The payment of GH¢889,000 was made by Sonite Ghana Limited to individuals claiming to represent the Chiefs, youth, and people of Tema for a land dispute.
- The petition urges EOCO to investigate the nature and basis of the demand, including who made it and the purpose for which the funds were allegedly required.
