Awulae Kaku Ackah III, the overlord of the Awiaso-Nzema traditional territory, has made it clear that he will not give up the 20,000 acres of land that the government is requesting in order to build a petroleum hub.
This comes after the Ministry of Energy hosted a public meeting when Awulae Annor Adjaye Il, the paramount Chief (Omanhene) of Western Nzema, allegedly gave the project’s land release.
Speaking on radio Gold’s Pampaso programme, which Kwasi Boakye hosts, Awulae Kaku Ackah III stressed that he is in charge of all the land in South-Western Ghana, from the Ankobra River to New Town, and that he will not give up such a substantial portion to the government.
He then indicated that he would be willing to release 5,000 acres to begin the project, with the option to release an extra 5,000 acres if needed.
“The 20,000 acres of land the government wants to take to construct the oil hub is too huge. Although I need developmental projects in my area, I won’t release such a vast land to the energy ministry. I’ll give the government 5000 acres to start work. And if there is a need for additional land for the project depending on its state, I’ll release an additional 5000 acres .”
The Nzema King stressed that releasing 20,000 acres would leave his people without land for farming, their main source of livelihood.
He expressed disapproval of the government’s strategy as well, claiming that they engaged with a caretaker chief, Awulae Annor Adjaye III, who lacked the legal right to transfer land, rather than going through the correct procedures for acquiring land.
“Annor Adjaye knows he is just a caretaker and that has no right or documents to release lands to anyone”. The overlord of the Awiaso-Nzema traditional area declared.
Awulae Kaku Ackah Ill reaffirmed that while he supports development in his region, he will only transfer a manageable portion of land—not the entire 20,000 acres—for the petroleum centre.
“I want development in my area therefore if President Nana Addo indeed wants to establish the petroleum hub, I’m ready to release 5000 acres of the land for the project but I’ll never release the said 20000 acres to the government.” He stated on authority.