In a compelling petition addressed to Awulae Annor Adjaye, the Paramount Chief of the Western Nzema Traditional Council, a group known as the Coalition of Concerned Nzema People has raised strong objections to the proposed compulsory acquisition of 20,000 acres of private land for the development of a private-sector-led petroleum hub. The coalition, representing directly affected landowners, farmers, and concerned Nzema citizens, has voiced concerns over the lack of due process, transparency, and equitable compensation in the proposed land acquisition.
Call for Fair Compensation and Respect for Ancestral Lands
The coalition’s petition highlights the historical significance of the land in question, emphasizing its longstanding use for coconut plantations and other cash and food crops. The group argues that the land has been passed down through generations and is of great value to the local community. They demand that any proposed acquisition be subject to mutually agreed terms that ensure fair compensation, economic, infrastructural, and environmental benefits for the affected communities.
The coalition challenges the Western Nzema Traditional Council’s claims to ownership of the land, calling them “false” and “contrary to the Land Act 2020 and the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.” They urge the council to produce documents proving ownership and assert that no land within the enclave should be taken without proper evidence of ownership.
Questioning of Objectivity and Call for Investigations
The petitioners also question the objectivity of Awulae Annor Adjaye III, citing his dual role as Chairman of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC) and Paramount Chief of the Western Nzema Traditional Council. They argue that these positions create a conflict of interest that compromises his impartiality and undermines the trust and confidence of the affected communities. The coalition demands greater transparency and accountability, calling for investigations into the current and future financing arrangements associated with the petroleum hub project.
Demands for Land Reduction and Equity
Among their 14 demands, the coalition calls for a reduction in the land size from 20,000 acres to 7,000 acres, a 35% employment quota for local people, and the use of land for at least 30% equity in the project. They also seek adequate compensation for affected landowners and farmers, the establishment of scholarship funds, and a senior management quota for capable individuals from the community in hub-associated companies.
Conclusion and Broader Implications
The petition represents a broader struggle for land rights, fair compensation, and local representation in development projects in Ghana. As the coalition continues to fight for their rights, the outcome of this petition could have significant implications for future land acquisitions and development projects in the region.
The letter has been widely circulated to various government officials, including the President of Ghana, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, and the Ministry of Energy, in hopes of prompting a response to the coalition’s demands. The Nzema people have made it clear that they will not relent in defending their ancestral lands and rights in the face of adversity.
See below a copy of the final petition:
Source: Ekuzoa Editorial