The Okponglo Royal Family has issued a stern warning against attempts to invade or forcefully take over their lands at Shiashie around East Legon, in the Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly in the Greater Accra region.
This comes following an alleged incident involving some National Democratic Congress (NDC) party individuals under the disguised operation of Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL).
The group allegedly stormed the 6-acre land premises in Shiashie around East Legon, in the Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly in the Greater Accra region, without provocation.
According to the Regent of Okponglo, Nii Sowa Ako-Odoi, the colonial government acquired the land and later returned to the family after the Supreme Court affirmed their ownership in 2019.
He said the land has been leased to a private developer, IOP Group of Companies, for redevelopment into a commercial area featuring a lorry terminal and shops.
The Regent expressed concern over the invasion, emphasizing that the land does not belong to the state.
He warned all persons to stay off the land, citing the family’s documentation proving ownership.
An investigation revealed that the invaders damaged a portion of the fence wall and destroyed some marine boards.
The Okponglo Royal Family believes the individuals are hiding under the guise of the Operation Recover All Loots Team, which President John Dramani Mahama recently established.
The family urges respect for their property rights and the rule of law.
Alhaji Sule Bayor, a representative from the IOP Group of Companies, strongly denounced the recent incident, revealing that the matter has been formally reported to the police for immediate action.
He expressed concern that the actions of the group were unfairly tarnishing the reputation of the ORAL Team.
The Presiding Member for the Ayawaso West Municipal Area, Hon Benjamin Nortey Oklah, also confirmed to the media that the land is indeed owned by the Nii Ako-Toboase Okponglo family, with all necessary documentation in place.
According to Benjamin Nortey Oklah, the assembly has completed all necessary legal procedures to lease the land to the IOP Group of Companies.
“This partnership will not only bring development to the area but also ensure the assembly receives its share of the project’s benefits,” he added.
Hon Oklah emphasized that the land in question does not belong to the government, contrary to speculation.
This clarification aims to put to rest any confusion or disputes surrounding the land’s ownership.
The leasing of the land to the IOP Group of Companies is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the area.
The lorry terminal project will create employment opportunities, stimulate local economic growth, and improve the region’s infrastructure.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Francis Appiah
