The Ga Traditional Council has strongly condemned what it describes as illegal attacks and forced attempts to evict Ga-Dangme settlers from their ancestral lands in parts of the Eastern Region, particularly in the communities of Okanta and Otwebedidua.
In a press release, the Council said its attention had been drawn to recent developments involving alleged violent actions by neighbouring groups over land ownership disputes. According to the Council, the affected Ga settlements have existed on the disputed lands for more than 200 years, having been established by their forebears.
The statement follows earlier concerns raised by the Ga Dangme Council, whose President, Hon. J. Ayikoi Otoo, recently condemned what he termed illegal attacks on Ga settlers at Okanta. The Ga Traditional Council said it has since received further reports of similar incidents at Otwebedidua, also in the Eastern Region.
His Royal Majesty, the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, who also serves as President of the Ga Traditional Council, together with the entire Council, condemned “in the strongest terms” what it described as atrocities, inhuman acts and violence being perpetrated against the settlers. The Council expressed concern that lands occupied peacefully by Ga communities for centuries are allegedly being forcibly taken over.
According to the Council, the ongoing actions have resulted in systemic injustices and inequalities, affecting descendants of the original Ga inhabitants of the lands. It noted that the situation has had serious implications for the livelihoods, safety and human rights of the settlers.
The Ga Traditional Council has called on all stakeholders and affected parties to present their cases to His Royal Majesty no later than Wednesday at 10:00 a.m., as part of efforts to address the matter through appropriate traditional and legal channels.
The Council also directed a strong message to chiefs and alleged perpetrators in the area, urging them to recognise and respect the settlers’ rights to their lands. It further appealed to the Ghana Police Service to restore order and ensure the protection of the victims’ human rights.
Reaffirming its commitment to the affected communities, the Ga Traditional Council stated that it stands in solidarity with the settlers and will continue to amplify their concerns while advocating for their rights with the relevant authorities.
