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 ceremony was filled with cultural pride and community spirit. However, it also highlighted a pressing land dispute in the Apenkwa community.

During the coronation, chiefs and elders delivered a strong statement. They called for immediate intervention from President John Dramani Mahama and Inspector General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohonu. The leaders expressed concern over escalating land disputes affecting 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 their lands with support from some Nungua elders.

“We have confronted them many times to stop these acts,” he said. “Our youth sometimes want to respond aggressively, but I urge calm.” He seeks peaceful resolutions to these conflicts.

The statement also claimed collusion between land encroachers and Lands Commission officials. It accused them of issuing dubious land titles without Apenkwa leadership's consent. The chiefs expressed frustration with the judicial system as well, stating that many cases are delayed or favor wealthy entities.

Another major issue is the presence of land guards in the area. These young men allegedly terrorize residents and disrupt peace in Apenkwa. “Our community has been taken over by land guards,” lamented the chief.

The elders criticized attempts to create new villages within their jurisdiction. They view these actions as provocations aimed at undermining traditional leadership legitimacy. Their grievances date back to the Rawlings administration and have been presented to successive governments without resolution.

Nii Obourbour II urged President Mahama to consider their plea seriously. He hopes this will be part of his agenda for restoring peace and lawful governance in the area. The event was attended by dignitaries, chiefs, elders, media representatives, and supportive residents who echoed the chief’s concerns.