The Ga-Dangme Council has condemned what it describes as unlawful and intimidating attempts to forcibly eject Ga-Dangme settlers from their ancestral lands at Okanta in the Eastern Region, warning that such actions threaten peace, constitutional order and social cohesion.

In a statement issued on Sunday, December 14, the Council alleged that, it had received disturbing reports, including video evidence, of threats and acts allegedly carried out by individuals claiming indigene status in the Eastern Region against Ga-Dangme families who have lived in Okanta for close to 200 years.

“These Ga-Dangme families lawfully migrated, settled and established roots in Okanta long before the present generation,” the Council stated, adding that their presence predates many contemporary claims to the land.

According to the Council, the affected families trace their ancestry to the Greater Accra Region and have, over centuries, lived peacefully with neighbouring communities while contributing significantly to agriculture, commerce and local social development. It stressed that their occupation and possession of the land and homes have been uninterrupted and uncontested until recent events.

The Council expressed grave concern over what it termed “unlawful, intimidating and reckless conduct” aimed at dislodging these settlers through threats, harassment and force, allegedly to make way for illegal mining activities.

“Such conduct is not only unacceptable but clearly illegal,” the statement said, warning that vigilantism has no place in the resolution of land disputes.

Citing constitutional provisions, the Ga-Dangme Council reminded all parties that Article 18(1) of the 1992 Constitution guarantees every person the right to own property, either individually or jointly, and protects citizens from arbitrary deprivation of property. It further referenced Article 20, which prohibits compulsory acquisition of property except in accordance with due legal process.

The Council also pointed to established principles of Ghanaian law on long and peaceful occupation, noting that adverse possession recognised under statute and upheld by the courts confers legitimate rights.

“Such rights cannot be extinguished by mere assertions of indigeneity or unilateral declarations,” the statement emphasised.

It further argued that the Land Act, 2020, recognises the rights of settlers who have occupied land for extended periods, reinforcing the need for disputes to be resolved through courts of competent jurisdiction or recognised traditional authorities, rather than through force.

Beyond property rights, the Council warned that the reported actions at Okanta could amount to violations of fundamental human rights, including the dignity of the individual under Article 15(1) and protections against discrimination based on ethnicity or place of origin under Article 17 of the Constitution.

In response to the situation, the Ga-Dangme Council called on the Eastern Regional Security Council and relevant law enforcement agencies to intervene urgently to maintain peace and protect lives and property in the area. It also urged the National and Eastern Regional Houses of Chiefs to ensure that customary authority is not misused to legitimise unlawful acts.

The Council further appealed to opinion leaders and traditional authorities in Okanta to exercise restraint and prioritise dialogue in the interest of peaceful coexistence.

While reaffirming its commitment to peace, unity and lawful engagement, the Council signalled its readiness to take decisive action if necessary.

“We will not hesitate to pursue all lawful and constitutional avenues to protect the rights, dignity and ancestral heritage of Ga-Dangme people wherever they reside in Ghana,” the statement said.

It concluded with a pointed reminder that national unity must be upheld above parochial interests: “No citizen of this Republic should be treated as a stranger on land their forebears have occupied peacefully for generations.”

The statement was signed by the President of the Ga-Dangme Council, Hon. J. Ayikoi Otoo.