The Okponglo Royal Family of Shiashie, within the Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly of Greater Accra, has issued a firm warning against any further attempts to encroach upon or seize their six-acre land. This follows an alleged intrusion by individuals claiming affiliation with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and operating under the banner of Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL). The group reportedly stormed the property without provocation, causing damage to the perimeter wall and destroying marine boards. The family asserts unwavering ownership of the land, citing its initial acquisition by the colonial government and subsequent return to the family, a claim solidified by a 2019 Supreme Court ruling. The land is currently leased to IOP Group of Companies for commercial redevelopment, including a lorry terminal and shops. The family has urged respect for their property rights and adherence to the rule of law.
The Regent of Okponglo, Nii Sowa Ako-Odoi, vehemently denounced the alleged invasion, emphasizing the land’s private status and not state-owned as some might speculate. He underscored the family’s possession of all necessary documentation to substantiate their ownership claim. The Regent expressed deep concern over the incident and called upon all parties to respect the family’s legally established rights. He further clarified the land’s status as private property to dispel any misconceptions regarding its ownership. The incident has raised concerns about the potential for further disputes and the need for respect for private property rights within the region.
Representatives of the IOP Group of Companies, the current leaseholder of the land, also condemned the alleged intrusion. Alhaji Sule Bayor, speaking on behalf of the company, expressed dismay over the incident and confirmed that the matter has been formally reported to the police for investigation. He further voiced concern that the actions of the alleged invaders were unjustly tarnishing the reputation of the ORAL Team. This incident underscores the potential for political actions to negatively impact private development initiatives and highlights the importance of due process in addressing land disputes.
Hon. Benjamin Nortey Oklah, the Presiding Member for the Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly, corroborated the Okponglo Royal Family’s ownership of the land. He confirmed the legality of the lease agreement between the family and IOP Group of Companies, emphasizing that all required procedures were duly followed. Hon. Oklah reiterated that the land is not state property, countering any claims to the contrary. He highlighted the planned development’s potential to significantly benefit the area, including generating revenue for the assembly. This reinforces the local government’s support for the project and its recognition of the legitimate land ownership.
The proposed redevelopment project, spearheaded by IOP Group of Companies, envisions significant economic benefits for the region. The planned construction of a lorry terminal and accompanying commercial spaces is expected to create numerous job opportunities, stimulate local economic growth, and enhance the area’s infrastructure. The project aims to revitalize the area and contribute to the overall development of the Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly. This underscores the potential for private investment to contribute to regional economic development and improve local infrastructure.
The incident involving the alleged invasion of the Okponglo Royal Family’s land highlights the complex issue of land ownership and development in Ghana. It underscores the importance of respecting legally established property rights, adhering to due process, and ensuring that development projects proceed in a manner that benefits both the landowners and the wider community. The incident also emphasizes the need for clear communication and transparency in land transactions and development initiatives to avoid misunderstandings and potential conflicts. The hope is that the ongoing police investigation will shed light on the events that transpired and contribute to a peaceful resolution of the matter. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting property rights in the pursuit of economic development.
