La Concerned Youth Association backs suspension of La Traditional Council, demands forensic audit

The La Concerned Youth Association, representing the La and Ga community, has formally petitioned the La Stool Council in support of the recent suspension of the La Traditional Council (LTC) by the Ministry.

The petition also opposes the alleged unauthorized use of the La Stool Council's name and calls for a forensic audit of certain LTC members over transactions deemed detrimental to the community.

Addressed to Lumɔi of the La Stool Council, the petition commends the Ministry’s decision to suspend the LTC, describing it as a necessary step to restore transparency and uphold traditional governance. The association asserts that this action will reinforce respect for La’s customs and prevent further misuse of authority.

The association disputes the claims of several traditional leaders, including Nii Adjei Kofeh IV (Shikiteli), Nii Obodai Adai IV (Anarhor Mantse and La Mankralo), and Nii Yemo Din (La Akwaashontse II), to positions within the La Stool Council, citing a lack of basis in La custom and tradition. The petition alleges that some members of the LTC have rebranded themselves as the La Stool Council, using forged letterheads for transactions, including unauthorized sales of stool properties. According to the petition, such practices date back to September 28, 1910, when La Dzasetse Nii Adjei Oserna, the then Regent, first opposed similar actions. The association warns that this “unacceptable provocation” has caused significant unrest within the La community.

The La Concerned Youth Association further urges the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs to conduct a forensic audit of the actions of Nii Adjei Kofeh IV, Nii Obodai Adai IV, and Nii Yemo Din. It requests investigations into alleged unauthorized sales of stool properties and potential misuse of the La Stool Council’s name, particularly since the death of the late La Maŋtsɛ, Nii Kpobi Tettey Tsuru III. The petition calls for appropriate penalties to hold these individuals accountable and protect La’s heritage.

In addition, the association cautions the general public not to engage in any business transactions with the La Traditional Council on behave of the Stool. Warning that anyone who chooses to do so acts at their own risk. They emphasized that the La Traditional Council cannot represents the La Stool, because it is different from the Stool Council, which is the allodial owner of all properties in La.

The petition emphasizes that the La Traditional Council, as a statutory body under Acts 759 and 789 of 1972, does not own property. Instead, the Stool Council is the allodial owner of any Stool’s land or property. The association warns of potential unrest and urges the La Traditional Council to respect the suspension order and adhere to the 1992 Constitution and Ghanaian government authority.

Copies of the petition have been sent to key officials and institutions, including the MP for La Dadekotopon Honourable Rita Odoley Sowah, the Right Honourable Speaker of Ghana Parliament, the Ministers of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Defence, Greater Accra Region, National Security, Local Government, Justice, Tourism, Lands and Natural Resources, the National Security Coordinator, Ghana Lands Commission, Ghana Tourist Board, the Municipal Chief Executive of La Municipal Assembly, the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, the La Traditional Council and its members, all La Clan Houses, and all media houses.

The La Concerned Youth Association calls for swift action to resolve the impasse and protect La’s cultural assets and traditional governance.