Farmers cry foul over alleged land takeover at Adjei-Kow

Farmers from Adjei-Kow and neighboring communities near Adeiso in Ghana's Eastern Region have called for urgent government and police intervention in a dispute over the alleged takeover of their farmlands. According to the farmers, armed men, possibly hired by developers, have invaded their properties with heavy machinery, destroying crops and blocking access to their fields.

Nana Kwatei, a spokesperson for the affected farmers, said the situation has caused fear and uncertainty among those who rely on the land for their livelihoods. He emphasized that the farmers were neither consulted nor informed about the land acquisition or sale. The farmers assert that their crops are being destroyed without proper legal authorization, as they have never received any formal notification regarding the transfer of ownership.

They have appealed to the government, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, and the Ghana Police Service to intervene swiftly to protect their rights and livelihoods. The dispute involves the Nponuahene of Akyem Abuakwa State, Berima Twum Tabriadie II, who maintains that the disputed land belongs to the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area, not individual farmers.

He claims that the land was leased to Kasapreko Company Limited for the construction of a new factory, intended to generate employment for the locals. The Nponuahene denies sending armed men to the farms or destroying the crops, stating that he engaged community leaders and informed them about the development plans. He also promised to compensate those whose farms will be affected by the project.

The controversy has sparked demands for state institutions to clarify the ownership and boundaries of the land and ensure that affected farmers are treated fairly before any further development occurs.