Commission on Culture Fights Back as Sunyani Chiefs Attempt to Give its Land to Chinese

The National Commission on Culture (NCC) has opposed what it indicates is an attempt by traditional authorities in Sunyani in the Bono Region to give out its land to some Chinese for a project.

According to the Commission, the Chinese are seeking land in the city for a “China Mall”.

In a statement, it called the attempt an illegal appropriation of government land belonging to the Centre for National Culture (CNC).

It explained that the land in question was originally a 60-acre plot acquired during the leadership of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah and designated for the establishment of the then Brong Ahafo Regional Cultural Centre.

It said the land remained under the authority of the government for decades without any incident until 2023, when the Sunyani Traditional Authorities claimed that no compensation had been paid at the time of acquisition.

“After negotiations, 20 acres were ceded to them as compensation, leaving 40 acres legally belonging to the state and firmly under the control of the Bono Regional Centre for National Culture.”

It therefore stated that the recent attempt to forcibly take over additional acreage is unlawful and unacceptable.

Measures
As part of measures to safeguard the land, it said the Acting Executive Director of the Commission, Wakefield Ackuaku, engaged the Regional Minister, Mr Joseph Akwaboa, on November 26.

Following the visit, the Regional Minister halted the attempted encroachment and assured the NCC of continued support.

“He also tasked the Commission to adopt a more proactive approach to securing and managing cultural lands and bemoaned the practice of allowing tenants to put up permanent structures without alignment to the Centre’s core mandate.”

Story by Hajara Fuseini

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