Residents and traditional leaders of Akyem Kwae in the Kwaebibirem Municipality of the Eastern Region have staged a protest against the government and the Ghana Oil Palm Development Company Limited over what they describe as decades of unfair land acquisition.
The aggrieved residents say their lands, including farmlands, were taken more than 50 years ago without adequate compensation or the fulfilment of corporate social responsibility promises.
Speaking at a news conference, the residents lamented that despite the revenue generated from oil palm plantations on their lands, the community has seen little to no investment in infrastructure, education, or healthcare.
They insist the situation has deprived them of their livelihoods, leaving many without access to land for farming and development.
The Chief of Akyem Kwae, Berima Kwaku Amankwa II, expressed frustration over what he described as neglect by both government and the company.
“They took our land, but we have received nothing in return. We now demand our fair share of the land or the promised development,” he said.
Officials of the Ghana Oil Palm Development Company Limited, speaking off-camera, indicated that the land in question was compulsorily acquired by the government on March 6, 1976, including Akyem Kwae stool lands.
They noted that any concerns regarding compensation or release of land should be directed to the government, as the acquisition was undertaken by the state.
The residents are calling for urgent intervention to address their concerns and restore access to land or provide the long-promised development projects.
