The residents of Ashongman Estates in Ghana’s Ga East District are breathing a collective sigh of relief after a successful police operation dismantled a notorious landguard network that had terrorized the community for years. The operation, spearheaded by the Ghana Police Service’s Anti-Landguard Unit, resulted in the arrest of ten individuals accused of a litany of crimes, including intimidation, property destruction, and illegal land seizures. This decisive action marks a significant victory for the community, which has long endured the oppressive presence of these criminal elements. The arrests offer a beacon of hope for restoring peace and security to the area and serve as a potent example of effective law enforcement against landguard activities.
The landguards, operating on Bank of Ghana lands within the estate, had established a reign of terror, preying on legitimate landowners with impunity. Their tactics included demanding illegitimate payments, threatening violence, and destroying property, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. This criminal enterprise, according to the police, was not only well-organized but had operated for an extended period, highlighting the complex and deeply entrenched nature of landguardism in the region. The recent arrests, therefore, represent a significant breakthrough in the ongoing efforts to combat this pervasive problem and restore order within Ashongman Estates.
The success of the operation can be attributed to several factors, including proactive community engagement and effective intelligence gathering. Persistent complaints from residents, coupled with diligent police work, provided the necessary information to launch the targeted raid. This collaborative approach underscores the importance of community-police partnerships in tackling complex security challenges. The operation also highlights the efficacy of specialized units like the Anti-Landguard Unit in addressing specific criminal activities. The unit, commanded by DSP Nafiu Shittu, demonstrated both tactical proficiency and a commitment to upholding the law, sending a strong message of deterrence to other landguard groups operating throughout the country.
The arrested individuals, whose names have been released by the police, are currently in custody, facing charges under the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999). The investigation is ongoing, with authorities also probing the role of an individual suspected of supporting and encouraging the gang’s illegal activities. This comprehensive approach, targeting not just the foot soldiers but also those who facilitate and enable landguardism, is crucial for dismantling the entire network and preventing its resurgence. The police are committed to ensuring that all those involved are held accountable for their actions.
The land at the center of this conflict has a complex history, having been acquired through a government auction in 2014 and its ownership subsequently confirmed by court rulings in 2010 and 2024. Despite these legal affirmations, the landguards continued their campaign of harassment and intimidation, demonstrating a blatant disregard for the rule of law. This case underscores the challenges faced by legitimate landowners in protecting their property rights and the urgent need for robust mechanisms to enforce court decisions and deter illegal land seizures. The successful police intervention in Ashongman Estates reinforces the importance of upholding property rights and ensuring that legal processes are respected.
The operation in Ashongman Estates has broader implications beyond the immediate community. It serves as a model for future anti-landguard operations nationwide, demonstrating the effectiveness of targeted interventions based on intelligence and community collaboration. The positive outcome also emphasizes the need for continued efforts to reform land administration and documentation processes, which often contribute to the complexities and disputes that allow landguardism to flourish. Strengthening these systems will play a crucial role in preventing future land conflicts and ensuring the security of land ownership. The successful operation serves as a catalyst for broader reforms and a renewed commitment to eradicating landguardism across Ghana.
