By Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
Professor Odaifio Welentsi III, the Nungua Mantse, has reaffirmed the long-standing peaceful relationship between the Akyem people and the Ga-Dangme communities, saying the two groups have no history of war or violent conflict.
Speaking during a visit to the Okyenhene on behalf of the Greater Accra House of Chiefs, Prof Welentsi described the Akyem and Ga-Dangme people as brothers who have lived together peacefully for generations. He said recent reports alleging the eviction of Ga-Dangme residents from their ancestral lands at Otwebediadua and Okanta had raised serious concerns, particularly claims that affected residents were not informed of the reasons for the action and were subjected to harsh treatment.
According to him, videos circulating on social media showed signs of tension, destruction of farms and harassment of residents, prompting the Greater Accra House of Chiefs to seek clarification directly from the Okyenhene. “We came to Okyeman to understand the root of the matter and hear the truth from the Okyenhene himself. What we see on social media is not always an accurate reflection of events,” he said.
The President of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs assured residents of Okanta and Otwebediadua that traditional authorities would stand by them and ensure their rights were protected, adding that any criminal actions must cease permanently. He cautioned against violence and lawlessness, noting that some had linked the dispute to illegal mining activities, which he said had led to needless loss of lives.
“Why should anyone die in the first place, and for what reason?” he asked, calling on traditional leaders to remain strong in protecting their people.
He said traditional leaders could not remain indifferent and had therefore visited Okanta to assess the situation firsthand. Contrary to reports on social media, Prof Welentsi said the community was calm upon arrival. “From social media, we thought buildings had been destroyed and violence was ongoing, but when we arrived, the area was calm,” he noted.
However, a representative of the Ga-Dangme community said the problem began about one-and-a-half years ago and remains unresolved, with farms, particularly cassava fields, continuing to be destroyed.
Prof Welentsi questioned why the issue was not reported earlier to traditional authorities in Ada and other Ga-Dangme areas to allow for timely intervention. Community members responded that previous attempts to raise concerns were met with intimidation, with some individuals allegedly claiming political backing and links to task forces.
He acknowledged that the issue had existed for some time and announced that after the Christmas festivities, discussions would resume in January, including engagements with Ofori Panin, to develop a clear strategy for lasting peace between Okyeman and the Ga-Dangme people.
Prof Welentsi urged residents to remain patient and avoid confrontation, explaining that although the land may have been acquired through purchase, it still falls under the authority of the Akyem Traditional Council. “We must not fight Okyeman. If there is any issue, report it to your leaders so it can be resolved amicably,” he said.
He concluded by calling for unity, dialogue and mutual respect to ensure peace now and for future generations.
