The traditional authorities of Akwamu State have pledged their support for the government's efforts to reclaim and protect state lands around the Akosombo Dam, countering recent media reports suggesting otherwise.
Nana Akonnor Bekai Ababio V, Osomanyawa (Chief Administrator) and second-in-command of Akwamu, speaking at the 4th Akwasidae celebration held at the Bogyawe Palace in Akwamufie under the leadership of Omanhene Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III, clarified that the Akwamu traditional leadership supports the mandate given to Clemence Gyato, the government-appointed consultant in charge of safeguarding encroached state lands. "We saw some publications in the media space that Akwamu people have stated that we won't support the work that the government has tasked Clemence Gyato with on the government land issues, which is very false," Nana Bekai said. "We have never said that.
We support the work that the government has tasked Clemence Gyato with on the land issues and also demand an apology from the newspaper that published such information." Nana Bekai, who also serves as the Ayokohene, Mankrado of Akwamuman, and Guantoahene of Akwamu, emphasised that the Akosombo Dam sits on lands originally given to the government by the Akwamu people. "Akwamu gave the land to the government and took possession of some lands to protect the dam, but now that all development around the dam is complete, the remaining lands that were taken from us must be returned to the allodial owners, the chiefs of Akwamu." He further expressed concern over increasing land encroachment, allegedly involving private developers and even some officials. "The Lands Commission and some individuals have been selling parts of those lands.
These are stool lands and must return to the rightful traditional custodians." According to Nana Bekai, the government did not pay any compensation for the lands acquired during the Akosombo Dam construction, and he urged the state to rectify this historical oversight. "The government needs to pay what is due.
