The Chief Executive Officer of Peace Watch Ghana, Madam Diana Nyankopah Daniels, has urgently called on the President, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Chief Justice (CJ), and the Speaker of Parliament to protect innocent landowners who have struggled to acquire land for future development, only to have their property forcibly seized by land guards in Kasoa.
Madam Daniels revealed that her own land, which she acquired in 1990, is currently being taken from her. She explained that at the time of purchase, the land was embroiled in a chieftaincy dispute involving three factions, which made it impossible for her to register the land immediately. Despite this, she continued to follow the necessary steps to secure rightful ownership.
She further recounted that she later initiated contact with an individual, Alhaji B. E. Swanzy who was prepared to finalize the documentation to transfer ownership.
She alleged that during this period, one man by name Apamass who happens to be the caretaker of the land for Swanzy, unlawfully have gone to register the land in his own name. This act, according to Madam Daniels, not only betrayed her trust but also constituted a blatant act of land theft.
Madam Daniels is therefore appealing to the relevant authorities, particularly the Lands Commission, the judiciary, and the police, to thoroughly investigate the matter and ensure that justice is served. “It is my rightful land, and I will not rest until this injustice is corrected,” she asserted.
She concluded by expressing her faith in the rule of law and the protection of property rights, stating, “I believe in the rule of law and the protection of property rights, and I trust that the relevant authorities will act swiftly and fairly in this case.”
Madam Diana Nyankopah shared her personal experience during the event and recounted how she financed the purchase of two plots of land by selling second-hand clothing, only to have one of the plots stolen.
Madam Daniels explained that she acquired the land from the rightful allodial traditional owners with the assistance of senior police officers and immediately assigned a caretaker to the property. However, her possession, marked by containers occupied by petty traders, was threatened when suspected land guards graded her land and destroyed her cement blocks and other building materials.
“These individuals often act with impunity, using force and harassment to illegally encroach on people’s properties without any regard for the law,” she lamented.
Madam Daniels has since lodged a complaint with the appropriate state agencies, hoping that justice will be served.
Another victim, Mr. Foster Kwame Acheampong, who shares a boundary with Madam Daniels, confirmed that the land in question belongs to her. He also revealed that, despite having legal claim to his own land, the accused persons have unlawfully demolished structures and encroached on his property. Mr. Acheampong called on all state agencies to intervene and ensure justice for the affected landowners.
