This comes after a terrible event in which Benlord Ababio tragically shot Lance Corporal Michael Danso over a land dispute in Millennium City, Gomoa Fetteh in the Central Region.

In a press release on May 6, the Queenmother clarified that the suspect, reportedly a Chief in the area, is not recognized within the Traditional Area’s register of Chiefs. 

Instead, he is identified as a member of a landguard syndicate, violating Ghana’s Land Act, 2020.

Expressing heartfelt condolences to the victim’s family and the Ghana Armed Forces, Omanhemaa Obaatanpa Ama Eduwa I highlighted the challenges posed by the indiscriminate conferment of chieftaincy titles by the destooled Omanhen, Obrifo Ahunako Ahor Ankobia II. 

These actions, conducted at his private residence, undermine sacred customs and practices, leading to petitions filed at the Central Regional House of Chiefs.

The Paramount Queenmother advised individuals engaging with Chiefs in the Gomoa Akyempim Traditional area to verify legitimacy with the Registrar of the Traditional Council.

Find the full statement below:

URGENT PRESS RELEASE: Paramount Queen mother of the Gomoa Akyempim Traditional Area Condemns Reign of Terror and Landguard Activities in Gomoa East District

Apam-Central Region, Ghana.
06 May 2024

GATC05OAE1/06/05/24/03

In light of the escalating reign of terror and incessant security threats by landguards in the Gomoa East District of the Gomoa Akyempim Traditional Area, I, Obaatanpa Ama Eduwa I, Paramount Queenmother (Omanhemaa), urgently issue this statement.

The recent tragic incident involving the shooting death of Lance Corporal Michael Danso by an individual identified as Benlord Ababio, allegedly over a land dispute at Millennium City in Gomoa Fetteh, Central Region, is a stark reminder of the dire situation we face.

Preliminary police investigations reveal that the suspect, Benlord Ababio, shot the soldier at Millennium City Kasoa on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at about 4:20 p.m. The victim sustained fatal gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead upon arrival at the Mother and Child Hospital at Kasoa.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family of the victim and the Ghana Armed Forces during this difficult time. It is imperative to clarify that the suspect, reportedly a Chief in the area, is not recognized in the register of Chiefs in our Traditional Area. Rather, he is identified as a ranking member of a syndicate of landguards, which contravenes the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036), criminalizing “landguardism” in Ghana.

Moreover, the ongoing challenge of landguards in the Gomoa East District, particularly the Twafo Division under the Gomoa Fetteh Stool of our Traditional Area, is exacerbated by the indiscriminate conferment of Chieftaincy titles and offices by the destooled Omanhen, Obrifo Ahunako Ahor Ankobia II, at his private residence. This undermines our sacred customs and practices, leading to petitions filed at the Central Regional House of Chiefs in Cape Coast.

We urgently call upon National Security Agencies to address these threats and restore peace to the area. Additionally, we urge the media to investigate and expose all wrongdoing, shedding light on this critical issue.

To individuals engaging with Chiefs in the Gomoa Akyempim Traditional area, we advise verifying their legitimacy with the Registrar of the Traditional Council.

In consultation with the Principal Kingmakers of the Nsona Royal Family of the Traditional Area and Principal Divisional Chiefs, I issue a resolute disclaimer.

The Gomoa Akyempim Traditional Council in Gomoa Assin remains the recognized and ancestral headquarters. Any ceremonial actions conducted beyond the Akyempim Palace in Gomoa Assin are declared irregular, null, and without effect.

Let us stand together in solidarity to preserve our cultural heritage and restore peace to our community.

Signed.

OBAATANPA AMA EDUWA I,
Paramount Queenmother, Gomoa Akyempim Traditional Area, Central Region, Ghana.

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The military officer, Lance Corporal Michael Danso was shot on Tuesday at Millennium City over an alleged land dispute around 4:20 pm.

The Police have since arrested a suspect, Benlord Ababio in connection with the murder and is assisting with investigations.

Speaking at the Koforidua Technical University on Friday, May 3 during the World Press Freedom Day 2024 commemoration, the GJA President described the soldier’s murder as the “depth of insanity”.

“The media have the mandate to uphold the 1992 Constitution, and that includes the human rights provisions under Chapter 5 of the Constitution. It is based on such mandate that we condemn the recent killing of a soldier at Millennium City near Kasoa over a land dispute.

“To attack and kill a soldier without provocation is the depth of insanity any human being can sink to. Under normal circumstances, the military would have launched a reprisal attack on Millennium City by now, and whenever they did so, they were condemned for violating the rights of innocent people,” he said. 

Mr. Kwabena Dwumfour commended the military for showing restraint following the murder of their colleague.

He also called on the public to refrain from attacking officers but rather show respect to them.

“While commending the military for exercising restraint in the face of extreme provocation, we call on the Police to investigate the matter as quickly as possible and prosecute the killer. We also appeal to the general public to respect security officers and refrain from attacking them,” he urged.

The GJA President further urged Ghanaians to recognize and appreciate the efforts of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) in safeguarding the nation’s stability.

“Let me take this occasion to urge all Ghanaians to appreciate officers of the Ghana Armed Forces, who have played an important part in our country’s stability. They also safeguard our country’s territorial integrity, and we must always support them.”

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