The Paramount Queenmother of the Gomoa Akyempim Traditional Area in the Central Region, Obaatanpa Ama Eduwa I, has condemned the killing of a soldier, Lance Corporal Michael Danso by alleged land guards following a land dispute at Millennium City in Gomoa Fetteh in the Central Region.
According to her, the recent tragic incident is a stark reminder of the dire situation facing the people in the Gomoa Akyempim Traditional Area and attributed same to the escalating reign of terror and incessant security threats by landguards in the Gomoa East District.
In a statement the Paramount Queenmother notes, “Preliminary police investigations reveal that the suspect, Benlord Ababio, shot the soldier at Millennium City Kasoa on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at about 4:20 p.m. The victim sustained fatal gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead upon arrival at the Mother and Child Hospital at Kasoa. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family of the victim and the Ghana Armed Forces during this difficult time.
“It is imperative to clarify that the suspect, reportedly a Chief in the area, is not recognized in the register of Chiefs in our Traditional Area. Rather, he is identified as a ranking member of a syndicate of landguards, which contravenes the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036), criminalizing landguardism in Ghana.
“Moreover, the ongoing challenge of landguards in the Gomoa East District, particularly the Twafo Division under the Gomoa Fetteh Stool of our Traditional Area, is exacerbated by the indiscriminate conferment of Chieftaincy titles and offices by the destooled Omanhen, Obrifo Ahunako Ahor Ankobia II, at his private residence. This undermines our sacred customs and practices, leading to petitions filed at the Central Regional House of Chiefs in Cape Coast,” She stressed.
She further wants the National Security Minister and other security apparatus to prioritise the incident.
“We urgently call upon National Security Agencies to address these threats and restore peace to the area. Additionally, we urge the media to investigate and expose all wrongdoing, shedding light on this critical issue.
To individuals engaging with Chiefs in the Gomoa Akyempim Traditional area, we advise verifying their legitimacy with the Registrar of the Traditional Council.
In consultation with the Principal Kingmakers of the Nsona Royal Family of the Traditional Area and Principal Divisional Chiefs, I issue a resolute disclaimer. The Gomoa Akyempim Traditional Council in Gomoa Assin remains the recognized and ancestral headquarters. Any ceremonial actions conducted beyond the Akyempim Palace in Gomoa Assin are declared irregular, null, and without effect”.
The statement further made a passionate appeal to the indigenes of Gomoa Akyempim Traditional Area to stand resolute in the face of the increasing threats.
“Let us stand together in solidarity to preserve our cultural heritage and restore peace to our community”.
