'Reset' landguard activities in Gomoa Fetteh, we are now strangers on our own land — Chiefs tells Mahama

Chiefs and elders of the Abore Twidan Family of Gomoa Fetteh in the Central Region are urging President John Dramani Mahama to extend his “reset agenda” to tackle the rising menace of landguard activities that have engulfed their community.

The traditional leaders warned that even as the government focuses national attention on the fight against illegal mining, the unchecked operations of landguards are destroying lives, draining resources, and undermining lawful land ownership in Gomoa Fetteh.

At a press briefing, the Chief of Gomoa Fetteh, Nana Abore Ewusi XX, described the situation as a crisis that requires urgent presidential intervention.

“The activities of landguards have escalated. They are maiming people and taking over properties that have been lawfully acquired. We call on the President to intervene and set up a committee to investigate their operations and bring an end to this menace,” Nana Ewusi XX stated.

He was joined by senior family leaders, including Ebusuapayin Kwame Ewudzie, Twafo Hemaa of Gomoa Akyeampim Traditional Area Nana Amoesima Nkrabea I, Acting Queen Mother of Gomoa Fetteh Baaba Akorfua Nkrabea II, and Abrahene Kow Boafo. Together, they painted a grim picture of a community under siege.

According to the chief, fear of violent attacks has forced many women to abandon their farms, while reports abound of armed landguards allegedly harassing and assaulting residents. He accused a self-styled chief, Kwesi Alhaji, and his associate, Kofi Baah, of masterminding the landguard network.

“These men have succeeded in compromising the police in Gomoa Fetteh. Some landguards are so emboldened that they have allegedly attacked police officers in broad daylight, even near the police station,” he alleged.

Nana Ewusi XX lamented that petitions to the Inspector-General of Police and the Presidency have produced no results. He further accused former NPP National Chairman Mr. Freddie Blay of shielding the landguards, emboldening them to continue their violent activities.

“We are now strangers on our own land. Strangers have taken over our birthright because the law is not working in Gomoa Fetteh,” he lamented.

Adding her voice, Obaahema Nana Amoesima I, who has served as Queen Mother of Gomoa Fetteh for more than four decades, said the crisis has robbed genuine landowners of peace and the ability to develop their lands.

Now in her 90s, she explained that she had delegated representatives to act on her behalf due to age, but alleged that Kwesi Alhaji and his group continue to torment her family and the wider community.

The chiefs and elders reiterated their appeal to President Mahama to step in decisively, stressing that only strong presidential action can restore peace, protect landowners, and end the reign of landguards in Gomoa Fetteh.