By Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
The Okyenhene and Paramount Chief of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin II, has firmly dismissed claims of conflict, harassment, or forced evictions involving Ga-Dangme settlers at Okanta in the Eastern Region, insisting that peace continues to prevail in the area.
Speaking during an engagement at his palace in Kyebi, the Okyenhene said there is “no fight, no violence, and nothing of that sort happening” between the Akyem people and the Ga-Dangme communities, stressing that both groups have lived together peacefully for generations. “We have known each other for several years. We have lived together in peace. Some of our people also live in Accra, and we respect the customs and laws there,” he said.
Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin II stated emphatically that any act of harassment, abuse, or destruction of property is not endorsed by the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council. He described such actions as criminal, not chieftaincy-related, and warned against attempts to falsely associate them with traditional authority.
“I am saying on record that whatever has happened is not under the endorsement of this Traditional Council. Anyone abusing, harassing, or destroying people’s property does not have our approval,” he said.
The Okyenhene rejected reports suggesting the involvement of an Okyeman task force, stressing that there is no such force operating in Okanta or anywhere else under the authority of his council. “There is no way, at any time, that an Okyeman task force would go to Okanta with cutlasses to destroy or hurt people in the name of this house. That is not true,” he stated.
He further revealed that the Okyeman task force was disbanded in February last year, and that individuals claiming to operate under that name are acting illegally and without authority.
“Those wearing Okyeman task force jackets and destroying lives and property are not from us. Law enforcement must go after them and arrest them,” he added.
Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin II also cautioned against the spread of misinformation on social media, urging the public to verify facts before making allegations that could inflame tensions.
“When we go on social media, we must take our time and speak the truth. Fighting will not take us anywhere,” he said.
Touching on land ownership, the Okyenhene acknowledged that every land has a rightful owner and stressed the importance of mutual respect for customs and authority, just as Akyem people living in Accra respect Ga customs and laws. “When we go to Adabraka in Accra, we know who our landlord is. In the same way, people must understand land arrangements here, which have existed for over 200 to 300 years,” he noted.
He also dismissed claims linking the situation to illegal mining, stating that there is no record of mining activity in Okanta with the Minerals Commission, and reaffirmed the strong bond between the Akyem and Ga-Dangme people.
“We share culture, we share love, and we live together. The relationship between us and the Ga people is inseparable,” he said.
The Okyenhene concluded by calling for unity and vigilance, urging authorities to identify and prosecute criminal elements exploiting sensitive issues for unlawful gain, while maintaining the peace that has existed between the communities over the years.
“We love our people in Okanta, and we must maintain the peace we have built as brothers and sisters. These illegal and greedy acts happening in this country must stop,” he stressed.
