The Gomoa Ajumako Traditional Council has officially installed Nana Kwame Adu I as Asrahene (Policing Officer) of the Traditional Area, entrusting him with the critical responsibility of safeguarding communal lands and resolving land disputes that have long plagued the area.
During a swearing-in ceremony held last Friday at Gomoa Ajumako, Nana Kwame Adu I pledged allegiance to the Omanhene of the Traditional Area, Obrempong Nyanful Krampah XI. The Omanhene charged him to use his office to end the persistent land litigation battles between Gomoa and its neighbouring communities.
Obrempong Nyanful Krampah XI voiced serious concerns over the growing number of land disputes, many of which have ended up in court, undermining the peace and development of the area. He called on the new Asrahene to employ his full authority to mediate and settle these disputes internally.
“Another lands litigation challenge facing Gomoa Ajumako Traditional Area is lands acclaimed as ‘Vested’ Land under the jurisdiction of Government of Ghana, most of which belongs to Gomoaman, but unfortunately, our neighbours especially some people from Winneba in Effutu State are selling them thus raising tension between Effutu and Gomoa,” the Omanhene said.
“You are serving as a Police Officer policing all the boundary lines in Gomoa Ajumako Traditional Area to avoid intruders to our landscape,” he added.
Obrempong Nyanful Krampah XI encouraged the new Asrahene to prioritise alternative dispute resolution methods to reduce tensions and prevent unnecessary legal battles, saying: “Even though efforts are being made to reverse the trend, your present position should bring relief to land owners in those affected communities. Then again, use your position to mediate between all land litigation cases which are internal but are pending before various law courts for settlement.
“Through effective Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), I believe you can turn things around to enhance coexistence with each other. Land boundaries should not be a hindrance to human and infrastructure development.”
In his acceptance remarks, Nana Kwame Adu I expressed gratitude to the Omanhene and the Traditional Council for the confidence reposed in him. He pledged to carry out his duties diligently and in close collaboration with traditional authorities and relevant state agencies to secure and manage the lands within the Gomoa Ajumako enclave.
He noted that eliminating land litigation is key to attracting investment and creating jobs for the local youth. “According to him, more jobs ought to be created for the unemployed youth in Gomoa if lands become litigation-free.”
He also vowed to work closely with youth groups and initiate development programmes, while urging the young people in the community to avoid drug and alcohol abuse, which he described as destructive.
The Apasemakahene and Public Relations Officer of the Traditional Area, Nana Okatakyi Idan Opirim IX, speaking on behalf of Nananom, assured the new Asrahene of their full support as he embarks on his new duties.
