A traditional leader of Doryumu in the Shai-Osudoku Traditional Area, Numo Teye Akumatey Koasafo III, has raised alarm over what he describes as a growing wave of violent activities by landguards, warning that the situation is undermining peace, security, and development in the area.
Speaking in an interview with 1960news.com, the chief lamented that residents and legitimate landowners are increasingly being subjected to intimidation, threats, and, in some cases, forceful eviction from their lands by armed groups.
According to him, these landguards often wield dangerous weapons, including machetes and firearms, creating fear and panic within the community.
Numo Koasafo III stressed that although the area has vast land available for development, the prevailing climate of fear is discouraging genuine investors and disrupting orderly land acquisition processes.
Numo Teye Akumatey Koasafo III, traditional leader of Doryumu in the Shai-Osudoku Traditional Area
He further criticized the use of force and financial influence by some individuals to unlawfully take over lands.
“We are peacemakers and custodians of the land. If you need land, there are proper channels to follow. You don’t intimidate or attack people simply because you have the means to do so,” he said.
He also condemned what he perceives as the misuse of security personnel in land disputes, alleging that some developers rely on police backing to harass or displace rightful occupants.
He called for professionalism and neutrality from law enforcement agencies, emphasizing that their role is to protect all citizens, not to serve the interests of a few.
The chief urged all parties involved in land disputes to embrace dialogue and lawful processes rather than resorting to violence, warning that the continued use of landguards could destabilize the area.
His concerns come against the backdrop of Ghana’s Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036), which criminalizes the use of landguards and prescribes severe penalties, including imprisonment.
Despite this legal framework, the practice remains widespread, particularly in the Greater Accra Region, fueled by increasing demand for land and disputes arising from multiple sales.
Residents in Doryumu say the situation has created an atmosphere of fear, with some warning that the community risks becoming a “ghost town” during violent confrontations.
One such resident, Kofi Tawiah, claims he is struggling to retain ownership of land he purchased over a decade ago.
Kofi Tawiah, victim and land owner in Doryumu
According to him, despite possessing valid documentation, another individual has allegedly taken over the land using landguards with the backing of some police officers.
Mr. Tawiah said he had fenced and begun developing the property when it was reportedly destroyed by armed men.
He further alleged that although he reported the matter to the police, he and his son were instead arrested and detained.
“I bought this land 13 years ago and lived peacefully until someone began developing it under police protection. When I reported the issue, I was rather arrested for defending my property,” he claimed.
He also accused the Tema Police of bias, alleging that a senior officer is using his position to intimidate him and support the rival developer.
Mr. Tawiah has therefore appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, to intervene and ensure justice is served.
However, when contacted, DSP Jean Kpeli of the Tema Regional Police Command he denied the allegations.
He explained that the police do not determine land ownership, noting that such matters are governed by recognized land interests under the law.
“Honestly, the police do not determine ownership of land. Land ownership is based on legally recognized interests, including allodial ownership, title registration, or court determination,” he stated.
DSP Kpeli indicated that the police are investigating the matter but clarified that issues relating to property damage are separate from ownership disputes.
He said he advised Mr. Tawiah to pursue aspects of the case with the Afienya Police, particularly regarding compensation for the destroyed wall.
He further revealed that, at Mr. Tawiah’s request, a meeting was arranged between him and the rival developer at the Tema Emef Police Station.
However, the process was not completed.
“On the day of the meeting, he was asked to wait for the other party, but he later called another officer claiming he had been arrested. I intervened and instructed that he be treated properly.
Shortly after, he said he was no longer interested in the meeting and preferred to take the matter to court. At no point did I order his arrest,” DSP Kpeli explained.
Meanwhile, residents continue to live in fear as reports of harassment and threats by armed men persist.
Community leaders are calling for urgent intervention to restore calm and ensure that land disputes are resolved through lawful and peaceful means.
Numo Koasafo III reiterated his call for peace, stressing that while wealth and development are important, they cannot be enjoyed in the absence of stability.
“You can make all the money in the world, but without peace, you cannot enjoy it,” he said.
By 1960news.com
