The Nzema Kotoko Traditional Area has vehemently opposed the government of Ghana’s proposed Petroleum Hub project in their region, citing concerns over land ownership, compensation, and environmental risks.
Recall that, the Ministry of Energy at Half Assini in the Jomoro Municipality under the auspices of the supposed paramount Chief (Omanhene) of Western Nzema, Awulae Annor Adjaye Il purportedly released an area of about Twenty Thousand acres (20,000) of Nzema Stool lands in the Jomoro area to the government for the construction of $60 Billion Petroleum Hub Project.
At a press conference, the traditional leaders of the area led by Nana Minlah Kpanyinli III, Chief of Bomoakpole who doubles as a member of Nzema Kotoko Traditional Council questioned the legitimacy of the project.
Nana Minlah revealed that the Ministry of Energy had not purchased any land from the rightful owners, (King of Awiaso-Nzema traditional area, Awulae Kaku Ackah Ill) and had instead dealt only with the Omanhene of Western Nzema, Awulae Annor Adjaye II.
“Our investigations subsequently revealed that the government indeed had no hand in the creation of the purported Petroleum Hub. This means it is a bunch of private individuals who have come together to prosecute the deal in the Nzema area.
The operating company which has already made the Omanhene of Western Nzema the Chairman of its board of Directors has not purchased any piece or parcel of land from the landowners.”
They emphasized that Ghana’s land law clearly states that only those in possession of the land can dispose of it, and therefore, the government’s claim to have acquired 20,000 acres of land is invalid.
The traditional leaders also expressed concerns over the lack of transparency in the valuation process and the potential environmental risks associated with the project.
They noted that the project’s supposed investment of USD 60 billion is questionable, especially since the government of Ghana has struggled to secure a smaller loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
“Considering that the project is a huge one, supposed to attract an investment to the tune of about USD 60 billion what sort of information, education or alertness has been given to the people of Nzemaland?”, they queried.
They emphasized that they have not given up their allodial ownership of Nzemaland to anyone, and therefore, any attempts to acquire their land without their consent will be resisted.
The traditional leaders also criticized Awulae Annor Adjaye, that he did not care for the land and would readily give it away to strangers for personal gain.
They emphasized that the Nzema people are not villains and have a history of bravery, resilience, and wisdom and therefore will fight hard to secure their lands.
However, they are ready to give out the 20,000 acres in phases.
If the government asks for say 20,000 acres of land, we will release it in phases depending on how acceptable the terms are and how profitable the deal would be to our people and to our environment. Anything short of this would be resisted even if all of us would end up in prison or be killed.”
Source: Oyerepafmonline.com