By King Amoah, Our Editor-in-Chief reports:
A simmering dispute over an alleged illegal claim of 4,000 acres of land by a private estate developer is boiling over in Asantekrom a town within the Nsawam – Adoagyiri Municipality in the Eastern Region.
The chief and residents of the are up in arms vowing to reclaim their ancestral lands from Koans Buildings And Solutions Ltd, a company which operates as an Estate Estate Developer based in Accra.
Speaking to the correspondent in an exclusive interview, Nana Baffour Asante hinted that whilst presidential directives to resolve the matter appears to have gathered dust, he and his people remain resolute to claim back their lands through lawful means
We have learnt that the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources whom the president directed to probe the case after receiving our petition appear adamant to pursue the matter.
Currently Nana Baffour Asante and the residents have raised a red flag as they have advised Koans Buildings And Solutions Ltd to immediately vacate the contested land.
The chief asserts that Koans Buildings And Solutions Ltd has allegedly used force to take over 4,000 acres of land belonging to the towns under Asantekrom jurisdiction without any consent from the true custodians.
According to Nana Baffour Asante Koans Buildings And Solutions Ltd has allegedly claimed ownership of the property by linking its acquisition to settler farmers from Ankata identified as Ewes from Accra.
However in a crucial development the chief said he confronted the head of the Ankata community who outrightly denied the developer’s claims.
The Ankata community head, Baffour averred reportedly assured him of hi support should Koans Buildings And Solutions Ltd refuse to vacate the land.
This is because they are only settler farmers who have no land to enable them claim ownership rights of any property in the area.
Despite this clear dissociation from the Ankata community Nana said the estate developer has reportedly continued its operations on the land with impunity.
Nana Baffour Asante told the correspondent that the developer has been actively working on the land, deploying heavy earth moving machines to demolish existing structures and destroying farms including cocoa, maize, and cassava.
To further entrench their position to deter any opposition land guards have allegedly been employed to resist residents from challenging their activities the chief pointed out.
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The chief also quoted the developer (Managing Director of Koans Buildings And Solutions Ltd) as making an alleged defiant assertion that his government is in power so nobody can quit him from the land.
Nana Baffour Asante indicated that as law abiding citizens they have made several efforts including press conferences to compel the estate developer to cease operations and pack off but all to no avail.
Frustrated by the developer’s alleged intransigence and unsatisfactory behavior a petition letter was forwarded President Mahama for his intervention.
The President’s response Nana posited was reportedly positive and swift as he referred the case to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources for action.
A letter from the Ministry to Nana Baffour Asante with reference No. DF/44/45/02 dated July 10, 2025 and signed by Mr. Joseph Osiakwan Technical Director on behalf of the Sector Minister assured the chief that the matter would be prioritized for settlement.
However almost four months since this assurance, the Ministry’s letter is now perceived by the Asantekrom community as mere lip service treating the presidential directive with contempt.
Meanwhile the developer continues to cause havoc and destruction in the area whilst we fight in vain Nana Baffour Asante observed..
In a renewed push for justice Nana Baffour Asante has re appealed to the President for further action.
As at the time of going to press Nana has also reported the case to his overlord chief, His Royal Majesty Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin been the Okyenhene for further advice and intervention.
Attempts to reach representatives of Koans Buildings And Solutions Ltd for their comments proved futile as their mobile phones were out of coverage area.
Stay tuned.
