Tension is escalating in Sekyekrom and nearby communities in the Akwamu Traditional Area of the Nsawam-Adoagyiri Municipality in the Eastern Region of Ghana over a disputed parcel of land. The dispute has sparked fear among residents of Kwasi Nyarko, Afum Krom, Maame Dede, Otouase, Kwafokrom, and other surrounding communities. They claim that persons described as landguards have been involved in attempts to take over community farmlands, with some farmers allegedly attacked in the process.
The disputed lands are reportedly being used for sand-winning and quarrying activities, further heightening tensions between residents and persons allegedly working on behalf of an estate developer. Peasant farmers in the affected communities say the dispute is threatening both their safety and livelihoods. The situation has created a sense of unease, with residents calling for urgent intervention to resolve the land dispute and restore calm to the affected communities.
The Queen Mother of Sekyekrom, Nana Agyakwabea Acheampomaa III, has appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, and the government to urgently intervene in the land dispute. She alleged that community lands were being forcefully taken over and called for immediate action to protect residents and their livelihoods. Her appeal has been echoed by opinion leaders in the affected communities.
Opinion leaders in the affected communities have also appealed to the Akwamuhene, Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III, the Eastern Regional Security Council, and other relevant authorities to intervene in the dispute. They said the alleged sand-winning and quarrying activities on their farmlands had created growing tensions between residents and individuals allegedly operating on behalf of an estate developer.
The opinion leaders further maintained that Sekyekrom and the surrounding communities have, since time immemorial, remained under the authority of the Akwamu Paramount Stool. They emphasized that the land dispute must be resolved in a way that respects the traditional authority and rights of the communities. The dispute has significant implications for the residents and their livelihoods.
The situation in Sekyekrom and nearby communities remains volatile, with residents living in fear of further attacks and land takeovers. The appeals for intervention from the Queen Mother and opinion leaders have highlighted the need for urgent action to resolve the dispute. The government and relevant authorities have been urged to take immediate steps to protect the residents and their livelihoods.
The land dispute in Sekyekrom has significant implications for the region, with concerns about the impact on the local economy and social stability. The dispute has already affected the livelihoods of peasant farmers, and there are fears that the situation could escalate further if not addressed promptly.
Key points
- Residents of Sekyekrom and nearby communities are living in fear following alleged landguard attacks and attempts to take over community farmlands.
- The Queen Mother of Sekyekrom has appealed to the Inspector-General of Police and the government to urgently intervene in the land dispute.
- Opinion leaders have also appealed to the Akwamuhene and the Eastern Regional Security Council to intervene in the dispute and restore calm to the affected communities.
