The Secretary of the Ashifla Stool, Benjamin Nii Adjetey, has raised alarm over escalating tensions and insecurity in the Ngleshie Ashifla area, urging the government of Ghana and security agencies to intervene swiftly.
Speaking on behalf of the people of Ashifla, he called for the deployment of security personnel to protect residents and demanded the establishment of a commission of inquiry to determine rightful land ownership and clarify the boundary between Greater Accra (Gas) and the Akyem people.
“The people of Ashifla have lived peacefully on their land for about 300 years. However, for the past 100 years, members of the Amaah Kwaafo family have continuously harassed us,” Nii Adjetey stated.
Long-standing Land Dispute Reignites Conflict
The dispute dates back to legal battles that spanned decades. Between 2003 and 2005, an arbitration process at the then Ga-West District Assembly (now Ga-West Municipal Assembly) led to a resolution affirming the land rights of the 14 Ashifla communities, including Mamphia, Otaten, Akoteaku and others.
This resolution was later upheld by the High Court.
However, tensions resurfaced recently when their opponent reportedly began selling portions of the disputed land to estate developers. Residents allege that their opponents have engaged land guards to harass them, leading to violent clashes.
On February 28, 2025, the Amasaman Court ruled on a case involving a 217-acre land at Agbazo Junction near Akutuase, a verdict that the people of Ashifla believe was unfair.
“We believe justice has been twisted, and we are preparing to seek redress in court,” Nii Adjetey said.
The conflict has led to severe destruction of farmland and infrastructure. Residents report that land guards have destroyed farms growing tree plantations, palm, plantain, cassava and pineapple.
Additionally, a borehole at Okortorbu, a vital water source, was destroyed due to illegal sand-winning activities.
In a recent violent incident, land guards allegedly attacked farmers protesting the destruction of their crops. One farmer, Nii Ayikwei, was injured, but the youth of the community intervened to rescue him.
These security threats are now disrupting school attendance and local economic activities, further worsening the plight of residents.
The people of Ashifla insist that their land has always belonged to the Ga people and reject claims that the Amaah Kwaafo family acquired it from the Akyem. They are now pleading for government intervention to prevent further violence.
“We call on the government and security agencies to step in, provide protection, and set up a commission of inquiry to determine the rightful ownership of these lands,” Nii Adjetey emphasised.
With tensions escalating, the community hopes swift action will restore peace and prevent further bloodshed.
