Traditional leaders of the Awutu Traditional Council have warned that they could withhold land for future government projects following a dispute over land earmarked for a proposed 24-Hour Economy Market in the Awutu Senya East Municipality.
The chiefs say they were not consulted before a portion of land around the Kasoa New Market area was allocated for the project, describing the development as a disregard for their authority over stool lands.
Their concerns prompted them to boycott a planned sod-cutting ceremony for the market as a protest against what they describe as repeated failures by local authorities to engage the traditional council on land-related projects.
Chiefs Threaten Future Land Allocations
Speaking at a press conference, Boundary Chief of the Awutu Traditional Council, Nai Kwabena Atopi, said the boycott was intended to send a clear signal to government about the growing tension over the use of stool lands.
He said the traditional authorities only became aware that land around the New Market area had been allocated for the 24-Hour Economy Market after arrangements for the project had already been made.
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According to him, the council could reconsider releasing land for future government projects if its authority continues to be disregarded.
The chiefs are accusing the Municipal Chief Executive for Awutu Senya East, Seth Sabah Serwonoo-Banini, and the Member of Parliament for the constituency, Phyllis Naa Koryoo Okunor, of failing to adequately consult them.
Kasoa Interchange Development Raises Concern
The traditional council also raised concerns about the construction of permanent stores around the Kasoa Interchange following the eviction of traders from the area.
Nai Atopi alleged that the project involved the MCE and a private developer, although the chiefs had initially been informed that the development formed part of government’s resetting agenda.
He said the traditional authorities were not properly consulted before work proceeded on land they consider to be under the authority of the stool.
The council said the dispute surrounding the interchange development has already been taken to court and therefore declined to discuss the matter in detail.
Tensions Rise Over ‘Landguard’ Claims
Relations between the traditional authorities and the Municipal Chief Executive have also been strained by allegations that members of the council have been described as landguards.
Nai Atopi said the description had angered the chiefs, although they had chosen to exercise restraint while seeking a peaceful resolution.
Mahama Asked to Intervene
The traditional leaders are calling on President John Dramani Mahama to intervene and help resolve what they describe as deteriorating relations between the council and local government authorities.
They stressed that they are not opposed to government development projects in Awutu Senya East, but insist that projects involving stool lands must be preceded by proper consultation and agreement with the traditional authorities.
The council said it remains ready to support initiatives that bring development to the area but warned that respect for traditional authority and established land ownership structures must not be compromised.
