Traditional leaders of Akwamu are demanding the government to return unutilised lands around the Akosombo Dam to their rightful custodians, following the alleged sale and encroachment on the land by public and private developers.
They alleged that the lands, originally given to the government for the construction of the Akosombo Dam were being quietly sold off by individuals within the Lands Commission and other state actors — without due regard for the traditional owners.
The call was made during the 4th Akwasidae Festival on Sunday at the Bogyawe Palace at Akwamufie, under the leadership of Omanhene Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III.
Speaking at the durbar, the Osomanyawa (Chief Administrator) of Akwamu, Aaron Kwabena Packeys, known by his stool name Nana Akonnor Bekai Ababio V, emphasised that, “these are stool lands and must be returned to their rightful traditional custodians.”
He said, “We are alarmed by the illegal sale of these lands. The government must take responsibility and address this before the situation worsens.”
Nana Bekai, who also serves as the Ayokohene and Mankrado of Akwamuman, stated that while the Akwamu people willingly gave up large tracts of land decades ago for the development of the dam, they had not been compensated, nor have the unused lands been returned.
He stated that the Akwamu chiefs were not only requesting restitution but also seeking transparency from the state, regarding how lands earmarked for public infrastructure were being managed and mismanaged.
“The Akosombo Dam is a national treasure, and we offered land for its construction in good faith. But today, we are witnessing a betrayal — not by the government alone, but by the very institutions meant to safeguard these lands,” he lamented.
In addressing recent media reports claiming that Akwamu leaders were resisting government-led land recovery efforts, Nana Bekai firmly rejected the claims as “false and damaging,” and demanded a public retraction.
“We support Clemence Gyato and the government’s efforts to recover encroached state lands. Any suggestion otherwise is misinformation,” he stressed.
The government consultant in charge of reclaiming states land encroachment, Mr Clemence Gyato, corroborated the chiefs’ concerns and affirmed their collaboration. He warned that illegal structures on state lands near the river would be demolished.
“We have records of individuals’ building close to the riverbank with questionable documentation. Some claim chiefs sold them the land, but Nana has pledged to help us investigate these cases thoroughly,” he elaborated.
Moreover, Mr Gyato announced plans to set up a monitoring post in the area to curb future encroachments and work closely with the traditional authorities in order to maintain order.
The festival brought together traditional leaders, community members, dignitaries, development partners, and other key stakeholders.
FROM STEPHANIE BIRIKORANG, AKWAMUFIE
