
The Okponglo Royal Family has issued a stern warning against any attempts to invade or forcefully take over their lands at Shiashie, around East Legon, in the Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly in the Greater Accra region.
This statement follows an alleged incident involving individuals associated with the National Democratic Congress (NDC), reportedly acting under the guise of Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL). The group is accused of unlawfully storming the six-acre land at Shiashie without provocation.
According to Nii Sowa Ako-Odoi, the Regent of Okponglo, the land was originally acquired by the colonial government and subsequently returned to the family. This ownership was affirmed by a Supreme Court ruling in 2019. The land has since been leased to a private developer, IOP Group of Companies, for redevelopment into a commercial area that will include a lorry terminal and shops.
Expressing concern over the alleged invasion, the Regent stressed that the land is private property and not state-owned. He called on all individuals to respect the family’s ownership rights, emphasizing that the family has all necessary documentation to prove their claim. Reports indicate that the invaders caused damage to a portion of the fence wall and destroyed marine boards during the incident.
The Okponglo Royal Family has attributed the actions to individuals misusing the name of the Operation Recover All Loots Team, established by former President John Dramani Mahama. They urged respect for property rights and adherence to the rule of law.
Alhaji Sule Bayor, a representative of IOP Group of Companies, strongly condemned the incident and confirmed that the matter has been reported to the police for immediate investigation. He expressed concern that the actions of the group were unfairly tarnishing the reputation of the ORAL Team.
Hon. Benjamin Nortey Oklah, the Presiding Member for the Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly, also addressed the media, affirming that the land belongs to the Nii Ako-Toboase Okponglo family. He confirmed that all legal procedures for leasing the land to the IOP Group of Companies have been completed.
Hon. Oklah emphasized that the land is not state-owned, countering speculation to the contrary. He highlighted that this partnership would bring significant development to the area and ensure the assembly benefits from the project’s revenue.
The redevelopment plan, led by the IOP Group of Companies, is anticipated to provide substantial economic benefits to the region. The construction of a lorry terminal and associated commercial facilities is expected to create employment opportunities, stimulate local economic growth, and enhance the region’s infrastructure.