Akwatia Line Clash: MCE Reveals NPP Party Members’ Involvement

In a recent interview on Nkwantannanso with George Adjei on July 19, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Asokore Mampong, Kennedy Kankam shed light on the ongoing land ownership dispute in Akwatia Line.

The conflict arose when a private individual, identified as Mohammed, claimed ownership of a portion of land earmarked for the construction of a community market. The MCE disclosed that some members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) are involved in the matter.

According to the MCE, the controversy started when Mohammed approached him, asserting that the railway area had been granted to him by the railway authorities for his business ventures.

“I was there when one Mohammed approached me and claimed that the railway area, had been given to him by the railway authorities to do his business. He pleaded with me to sell that part of the land to him.”

“I informed him that I, as the MCE, couldn’t sell the land and advised him to figure out whether it was stool land or state land and visit the appropriate authorities,” he added. 

Despite the MCE’s refusal, he returned with an offer to purchase the land.

However, the MCE reiterated that he was not seeking money but recognition for his work, cautioning that he would be unsupported in case of any complications.

Despite multiple rejections, Mohammed persisted, coming back with opinion leaders, several of whom were NPP party members. The MCE demonstrated the project’s layout to them and reiterated the impossibility of selling the land to Mohammed.

In response, Mohammed resorted to the court, claiming ownership of the land based on the alleged rental agreement with the railway authorities.

The MCE instructed the contractor not to work on the disputed portion of the land while continuing with the other parts until the legal matter was resolved. However, Mohammed filed a contempt case against the contractor to halt work entirely.

The court dismissed the cases, but Mohammed remained defiant. He interrupted the contractors’ work, citing intentions to appeal the court’s decision.

Mr Kankam encouraged the contractor to proceed with the project as the appeal was filed against them, not the assembly.

Faced with constant interference, the MCE engaged the police, reporting Mohammed to the Regional Commander. Despite Mohammed’s arrest and subsequent release on bail, he continued to disrupt the work on the land.

To prevent further disturbances, Mr Kankam called on the task force to intervene.

The recent clash occurred between the task force and Mohammed, who returned to the site to disrupt the contractor’s work once again.

The matter is currently under investigation by the police.