A bipartisan committee comprising Members of Parliament (MPs) and some Municipal Chief Executives are calling for calm as a land dispute involving the Chief of Effutu and Gomoa in the Central Region continues to worsen.

There have been counter-accusations of encroachment of lands between the two traditional authorities in the Central region.

As tensions between the two traditional councils escalate, Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who is leading the group of political leaders says no one will be allowed to take any land that rightfully belongs to any traditional authority.

“As representatives of our constituents and advocates of peace and stability, we stand united in our unwavering commitment to resolving this issue and safeguarding the ancestral lands of all chiefs within our jurisdiction,” he told JoyNews.

He explained that land disputes can derail the peace and stability of the surrounding communities and the country at large, hence the need to take steps to ensure that the issues are resolved amicably.

Touching on measures the committee will adopt to address the issue, he said the committee will engage all the relevant stakeholders including chiefs, and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources among others.

This, he said will ensure that the committee “comprehensively addresses administrative and traditional boundary issues fostering a coordinated effort towards lasting solutions.”   

The Deputy Majority Leader stressed that the issue at hand was bigger than party politics, hence the formation of a dedicated bipartisan committee to thoroughly investigate the concerns and resolve the dispute.

The Effutu MP reassured that “no one including ourselves or another individual will be used to take away the lands of any chief. We are steadfast in our commitment to protecting their interest and preserving the rich heritage of our communities.”

Mr Markin told the chiefs to remain calm because the committee will work around the clock to ensure that the matter is amicably resolved.

He seized the opportunity to rally the support of indigenes to ensure that peace prevails.