Imminent land-led crisis looms at Apenkwa -Chief

Nii Adjetey Obourbour II was crowned as Overlord Chief of Gbe Owo Omli Apenkwa on Sunday, April 13, 2025. The event was filled with cultural pride and community spirit. However, it also highlighted a pressing land dispute in the Apenkwa community.

During the ceremony, chiefs and elders issued a strong statement. They called for intervention from President John Dramani Mahama and Inspector General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohonu. The leaders urged immediate action to address escalating land disputes in their area.

Nii Adjetey Obourbour II emphasized Apenkwa's historical significance. He noted that the people are descendants of Teshie and have lived there since 1624. He accused external authorities from Katamanso of encroaching on Apenkwa lands.

“We have confronted them many times,” Nii Obourbour said. “Our youth sometimes want to respond aggressively, but I seek peace.”

The statement also claimed that some officials from the Lands Commission colluded with land encroachers. They allegedly issued dubious land titles without Apenkwa leadership’s consent.

The chiefs expressed frustration with the judicial system. They stated that many legitimate cases are delayed or favor wealthy entities. Another concern was the presence of land guards terrorizing residents.

“Our community is overrun by land guards,” lamented the chief. “They disrupt our peace in Apenkwa.”

The elders criticized attempts to create new villages and install sub-chiefs within their jurisdiction. They viewed these actions as provocations aimed at creating confusion in traditional leadership.

Their grievances date back to the Rawlings administration and have been presented to successive governments, including Presidents Kufuor, Mills, and Akufo-Addo, without resolution.

Nii Obourbour II urged President Mahama to consider their plea under his new mandate. He asked for restoration of peace and lawful governance in their area.

The coronation event was attended by dignitaries, chiefs, elders from various councils, media representatives, and supportive residents who echoed the chief’s concerns.