The King of the Nzema Kingdom, Tumivolɛ Kaku Aka III, has expressed deep concerns over what he describes as the persistent marginalisation of Nzema communities despite the vast natural resources found within their lands.
Speaking at a press conference on February 28, 2026, the revered traditional ruler stated that Nzema indigenes have endured what he termed “eternal misfortunes”, even though their territories host significant deposits of oil, gas, and other valuable minerals that contribute substantially to Ghana’s economy.
Addressing traditional leaders, members of the media, and residents, Tumivolɛ Kaku Aka III explained that the gathering was intended to highlight the plight of the Nzema people and advocate for fairness in the distribution of national resources and development opportunities.
Providing historical context, the King traced the origins of the Nzema people to the Akan ethnic family, emphasising their long-standing presence and influence within the region. He noted that the Nzema Kingdom was established nearly a thousand years ago by rulers from the Nvavile (Agona) clan, including the influential King Kaku Aka I, who was enstooled in 1831.
According to him, King Kaku Aka I expanded Nzema influence across neighbouring territories and boldly resisted colonial domination by refusing to sign the Bond of 1844, an agreement that paved the way for British colonial control over the Gold Coast.
The King also highlighted several distinguished Nzema personalities who played significant roles in Ghana’s development. These include Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah; renowned businessman and nationalist George Alfred Grant (Paa Grant); and philosopher Anton Wilhelm Amo, who lectured in several universities in Germany during the 18th century.
Despite these historic contributions, the King of Nzema Maanle lamented that local communities have not benefited proportionately from the economic opportunities created by oil, gas, and mining activities in the area.
He referenced the discovery of offshore petroleum resources and gold deposits mined by Adamus Resources Limited, noting that unemployment among the youth in Nzema communities remains alarmingly high.
According to him, employment opportunities in the extractive sector are often given to outsiders, while local residents are left to endure the environmental consequences of mining operations.
Tumivolɛ Kaku Aka III further criticised what he described as the absence of modern healthcare facilities in Nzema communities. He expressed disappointment that none of the hospitals under the previous government’s Agenda 111 health infrastructure initiative was located within Nzema areas, despite the region contributing oil revenues that support national development.
He stressed that pregnant women and patients with critical conditions often face life-threatening challenges due to the lack of adequate healthcare infrastructure.
Another major concern raised during the press conference was what the King described as a disturbing pattern of deaths involving young people in Nzema communities.
He cited several incidents, including the 2022 death of a young man allegedly involving security guards linked to Adamus operations, as well as the shooting of a 17-year-old boy in Adelekezo.
The Nzema King therefore called on the Ghana Police Service to expedite investigations into these cases and ensure that those responsible are swiftly brought to justice.
He also accused the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, of attempting to acquire lands belonging to Nzema indigenes in the Awiaso area. According to him, the Minister was allegedly using his position to acquire land in prime locations, an action he said local leaders would firmly resist.
However, the King commended President John Dramani Mahama for what he described as a listening leadership style, particularly in relation to the decision to scale down land requirements for the proposed Petroleum Hub Project.
Tumivolɛ Kaku Aka III also raised alarm over the escalating menace of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, which he said has severely damaged forests and water bodies across Nzema enclaves.
He warned that mercury and other toxic chemicals used in illegal mining operations are contaminating streams, posing serious threats to the health, environment, and livelihoods of local residents.
Calling for urgent government intervention, the Nzema monarch urged authorities to intensify efforts to combat illegal mining and restore polluted water bodies in affected communities.