Stop multiple sale of land or prepare for punishment – Judge warns landowners

A circuit court judge has warned landowners against double selling land.

Judge Jephthah Appau presides over the Kwadaso Circuit Court in Ashanti Region. He stated that double sales harm buyers and create confusion in society. This practice also negatively affects traditional leaders.

Mr. Appau issued this warning while sitting at the Abuakwa circuit court. Oheneyere Nana Ama Takyiwaa, a 51-year-old trader, faced him for a double sale case.

He mentioned he had given this warning before at his Kwadaso court. He believes those charged with such cases should not receive bail and must be held in custody.

The judge noted that some people close to traditional rulers misuse chieftaincy titles. They sell land to multiple buyers without the chiefs' consent and then disappear, leaving chiefs to handle the fallout.

This behavior leads to public criticism of traditional authorities, which must stop. Mr. Appau emphasized that selling land means you no longer own it. Selling it again is considered stealing.

He called for public awareness about this issue and urged people to stop these practices.

Oheneyere Nana Ama Takyiwaa pleaded not guilty to charges of conflicting land grants. She was granted bail of GH¢3,000 with two sureties who must be justified.

She is scheduled to reappear on May 2, 2025.

Police Chief Inspector Evans Ayimbisah explained the case details in court. Oheneyere Takyiwaa sold land to Baafour Owusu Ansah for GH¢25,000 in 2010 and then sold it again to Frank Agyei in 2019 at Adwafo near Abuakwa.