The Ashanti Regional Criminal Investigation Department (CID) finds itself embroiled in a convoluted land dispute centered around the 7th Day Pentecostal Assemblies in Kumasi-Adiebeba, Ghana. The controversy stems from the alleged fraudulent land claims of Pastor Akwasi Addae Macaiah, the current leader of the church, who stands accused of attempting to illegally seize land originally acquired for a school project. This complex case intertwines claims of undocumented land transfers, accusations of personal gain, and questions surrounding Pastor Macaiah’s legitimacy as the church’s leader. The dispute sheds light on the precariousness of verbal agreements and the potential for exploitation within positions of authority.
The heart of the dispute lies in a parcel of land at Buoho-Afrancho, acquired in the 1980s by the late Elder Enoch Ofori Snr, the founder of the 7th Day Pentecostal Assemblies. Elder Ofori Snr secured the land from Mr. Akomia, now deceased, for the purpose of establishing a school. However, the agreement, based solely on mutual trust, lacked formal legal documentation. Upon Elder Ofori Snr’s death, the legal ownership of the land reverted to Mr. Akomia, who subsequently bequeathed it to his younger brother, Mr. Akomia Jnr, also known as Atta. Although the school project eventually became defunct, church members continued to occupy the land with Atta’s permission. The situation remained amicable until Pastor Macaiah, who assumed leadership of the church after Elder Ofori Snr’s demise, asserted ownership of the land, claiming a verbal transfer from the deceased founder.
Pastor Macaiah’s claim, unsupported by any documented evidence, has fueled suspicions and accusations within the community. He is accused of leveraging the land for personal gain, allegedly renting out portions of the property and providing housing for one of his wives. Further compounding the issue, Pastor Macaiah allegedly attempted to evict Elder Ofori Snr’s former driver through legal action, but his efforts have been stalled by the Kodie Circuit Court’s repeated requests for proof of ownership, which he has reportedly failed to provide. This lack of documentation has raised serious questions about the validity of his claim and fueled suspicions of fraudulent intent.
The escalating tension reached a boiling point on February 11, 2025, when two agents of Pastor Macaiah, Emmanuel Kwame Alhassan (church secretary) and Akwasi Alhassan Kankani (church member), were arrested while attempting to demarcate the land with block poles, a clear attempt to assert physical ownership. Two other individuals associated with the church managed to evade arrest. This incident prompted a formal investigation by the Ashanti Regional CID, who scheduled a hearing to ascertain the legitimate ownership of the land. Both Mr. Akomia Jnr and Pastor Macaiah were summoned to present their respective documentation. However, the hearing was adjourned due to the unavailability of the presiding CID officer, leaving the matter unresolved and highlighting the complexities of land disputes in the region.
Beyond the land dispute, Pastor Macaiah’s leadership within the 7th Day Pentecostal Assemblies has been marred by controversy since his ascension following Elder Ofori Snr’s death. Accusations of violating the church’s constitution by unilaterally assuming the role of President, alongside allegations of polygamy and adultery, have cast a long shadow over his tenure. A church member, Kofi Adjei, brought a complaint against Pastor Macaiah to the Manhyia Palace, accusing him of having an affair with his wife. The Palace, after finding him guilty, ordered him to pay a significant sum in compensation to Mr. Adjei and issue a public apology. This incident further underscores the questionable ethical conduct of Pastor Macaiah and casts doubt on his fitness to lead the church.
The land dispute and the allegations against Pastor Macaiah are multifaceted and intertwined, raising fundamental questions about land ownership, ethical leadership, and the potential for exploitation within religious communities. The Ashanti Regional CID faces a complex task in unraveling the truth and ensuring justice prevails. The lack of documented evidence surrounding the initial land acquisition and the subsequent claims complicates the investigation. Pastor Macaiah’s actions, if proven to be fraudulent, represent a breach of trust and a manipulation of his position within the church.
The case underscores the importance of proper documentation in land transactions and the need for clear succession plans within organizations. The accusations against Pastor Macaiah, if substantiated, also highlight the potential for abuse of power within religious institutions and the vital role of oversight mechanisms in preventing such abuses. As the investigation unfolds, the Ashanti Regional CID will need to meticulously examine the evidence and navigate the complex web of claims and counterclaims to determine the rightful ownership of the land and address the serious allegations levelled against Pastor Macaiah. The outcome of this investigation will have significant implications for both the 7th Day Pentecostal Assemblies and the wider community, serving as a reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and adherence to ethical principles.
