Nene Simpii Afedi Katamaso, the Yilagbeye-Divisional chief of Hiowe Gblaka Family (M)
Chiefs and elders of the Hiowe Gblaka Family of Hiowe Seh have called on the Prampram and Shai Traditional Councils to cease alleged harassment and resolve their long-standing boundary dispute in court.
The family made this demand during a press conference on February 27, 2025, reaffirming their historical claim to the disputed Seh-Gbugbla lands.
Speaking at the event, Nene Simpii Afedi Katamaso, the Yilagbeye-Divisional chief of Hiowe Gblaka Family of Doryumu-Dodowa of the Shai Traditional Area stated “We are the original custodians of the Seh-Gbugbla lands. Our ancestors settled here centuries ago, and any attempts to undermine our ownership will be met with legal resistance.”
The family outlined their ancestral lineage, tracing their roots back to Lanimo, the founder of the Dangme Kingdom.
According to them, Lanimo’s descendants, through Makpim and later Gblaka, established a legitimate claim over the land.
“We are not Shai; we are Seh. Our history is clear, and the records support our claim.”
They also highlighted past legal victories the Hiowe Gblaka Family had secured over Prampram and Shai claimants.
They referenced multiple court rulings in their favor, including a judgment delivered by Justice Elizabeth Ankumah on July 6, 2021, in Suit No. E1/NO/08/2014. The case was later appealed and dismissed by the Appeals Court in Accra.
“The law has been on our side, and we are ready to defend our rights in court again. The harassment from the Prampram and Shai Traditional Councils must stop,” the family declared.
They emphasized that there are no stool lands in Dangme, challenging the traditional councils’ authority over the disputed land.
They explained that further legal actions are already in progress, including an ongoing case at the Adenta High Court since November 2024.
“We urge them to meet us in court instead of resorting to intimidation and harassment. Justice will prevail,” Nene added.
The Hiowe Gblaka Family reiterated their demand for a lawful resolution to the boundary dispute, calling on all parties involved to respect judicial processes.
You can also watch Godfred Dame’s full speech on legal case withdrawals below:
