A growing dispute over land ownership and traditional authority in Akuapem Mangoase dominated discussions during the Odwira @200 Benkum Division Nkabom Tour when the Akuapemanhene, Obrempongkese Oseadeayo Akwasi Akufo III, visited the Mangoase Traditional Council in the Akuapem North Municipality of the Eastern Region.
Delivering a speech on behalf of the people of Mangoase, the Twafohene of Mangoase Akuapem, Nana Otu Sakyi Amo, expressed deep concern over what she described as increasing attempts by some members of the Shai community to claim ownership of portions of Mangoase land, a development he said has created tension and confusion within the area.
Nana Otu Sakyi Amo, Mangoase-Akuapem Twafohene
According to Nana Otu Sakyi Amo, Akuapem Mangoase has a long and rich history rooted in migration, land acquisition, agriculture, trade, and cultural diversity.
She explained that the town, which began as a small settlement surrounded by mango trees, had grown over the years into a vibrant community through cocoa farming, railway expansion, and commercial activities.
He noted that the people of Akuapem have always maintained a culture of hospitality and peaceful coexistence with settlers and other tribes living within the community.
However, she stressed that such hospitality should not be mistaken for weakness.
“For generations, our ancestors lived peacefully with all settlers residing on the land. Unfortunately, in recent times, certain developments have become a source of concern to the people of Mangoase,” she stated.
The chief insisted that, based on the history, traditions, and heritage handed down by their forefathers, Mangoase remains part of Akuapem land and belongs to the Akuapem people.
She therefore appealed to the Akuapemanhene and the Akuapem Traditional Council to intervene in preserving the historical truth and maintaining peace and stability within the community.
Nana Otu Sakyi Amo further alleged that some individuals within the area were presenting themselves as authorities and allegedly encouraging residents to disregard recognized traditional leaders and decisions from the Akuapem Traditional Council.
According to her, such actions are undermining the unity, peace, and order established by their forefathers and are gradually creating divisions among residents.
She also raised concerns about the handling of some community and state properties without the approval or knowledge of the appropriate traditional authorities, saying the situation had generated uncertainty and mistrust within the town.
“We respectfully remind all settlers and residents that Akuapem land is the ancestral home of Akuapem people. While we continue to welcome all people regardless of their origin, we expect everyone living among us to respect our customs, traditions, chiefs, elders, and the laws governing Akuapem land,” she emphasized.
The Mangoase chief maintained that the purpose of their appeal was not to create conflict but rather to seek peace, justice, unity, and development for both Mangoase and Akuapem as a whole.
She reaffirmed the community’s loyalty to the Akuapem State and pledged their commitment to working with the traditional authorities to advance development in the area.
Similarly, the Benkumhene of Akuapem traditional area, Osabarima Enyine Asiedu Okoo Ababio III, also expressed concern over the land dispute, insisting that Mangoase land belongs to Akuapeman and cannot be forcefully claimed by any other tribe.
Osabarima Enyine Asiedu Okoo Ababio III, Benkumhene, Akuapem traditional area
He declared that the people of Akuapem are prepared to protect and preserve their heritage and would not remain unconcerned while their lands are allegedly being challenged.
The Benkumhene appealed to the Akuapemanhene to step in and help restore calm and harmony in the area before tensions escalate further.
Responding to the concerns, the Akuapemanhene, Obrempongkese Oseadeayo Akwasi Akufo III, called on all parties involved to embrace peace and dialogue in the interest of development and unity.
Akuapemanhene, Obrempongkese Oseadeayo Akwasi Akufo III, exchanging pleasantries with some chiefs
He assured the gathering that the matter would be addressed through the appropriate traditional structures and announced plans to summon the factions before the Akuapem Traditional Council at the Ofori Kuma Fi Palace for resolution.
The Akuapemanhene, however, cautioned that no individual or group would be tolerated if they disregarded directives and the authority of the Traditional Council.
He urged residents and traditional leaders alike to work together to preserve peace, unity, and development across Akuapeman.
The Odwira @200 Benkum Division Nkabom Tour forms part of activities marking the bicentenary celebration of the famous Akuapem Odwira Festival and seeks to strengthen unity among the various traditional divisions within Akuapeman.
By 1960news.com
