Nandom Naa leads land peace initiative, inspects disputed sites at St Theresa’s Hospital and Nandom Parish

Nandom Naa Leads Mediation Efforts to Resolve Long-Standing Land Disputes in Nandom

Nandom Naa, Prof. Edmund Nminyem Delle Chiir VIII, has stepped up efforts to resolve long-standing land disputes within the Nandom Traditional Area, undertaking a high-profile inspection of contested lands at St Theresa’s Hospital while urging dialogue over litigation.

The visit forms part of renewed efforts by the traditional authority to settle disputes out of court, following a referral from the Nandom Circuit Court requesting the mediation of Naa Prof. Delle Chiir VIII.

At the centre of the engagement is a parcel of land currently in dispute between St Theresa’s Hospital and its original landowners. The disagreement traces back to an earlier allocation made by the late Naa Dr Puobe Puo-ire to support the establishment of the hospital.

Describing the original allocation as “laudable and visionary,” Nandom Naa noted that St Theresa’s planned upgrade into a teaching hospital would require significant land for expansion, including lecture halls, hostels, and research facilities.

However, he raised concerns about gaps in the initial process, stating that the full involvement of the landowners at the time of the grant was not adequately ensured.

Prof. Delle Chiir VIII, who is also the founder and president of Rabito Clinic, stressed that sustainable development must balance community interests, customary land rights, and institutional growth. “You cannot build the future by sidelining the custodians of the land,” he said during the inspection.

His comments highlight a broader national challenge of securing land for public infrastructure while respecting customary ownership and ensuring fairness to affected families.

The St Theresa’s dispute is one of several cases currently before the Naa’s mediation committee. After the hospital inspection, Nandom Naa and his delegation visited another contested site near the hospital canteen, which is subject to a separate dispute between Mafuz and the Nandom Parish.

Both cases have been submitted to a mediation committee established by the Nandom Naa in line with the Circuit Court’s directive for an out-of-court resolution.

Reaffirming his commitment to peaceful settlement, the Naa called on all parties to cooperate fully with the committee. “Our goal is lasting solutions that preserve unity, uphold tradition, and promote development in Nandom,” he said.

The day’s activities also included an inspection of ongoing municipal projects in Nandom, reflecting efforts to connect land resolution with tangible development progress.

In a personal visit, Nandom Naa also returned to his alma mater, Naa Polkuu Primary School, founded in 1943, where he studied in 1949. He revealed that the school land was donated by his father, Delle, and encouraged alumni to come together to support its development.

Land disputes continue to hinder development across the Upper West Region, often delaying key health, education, and commercial projects for years.

By taking a direct role in mediation, Nandom Naa is positioning the traditional council as a key partner in reducing court burdens and creating a more stable environment for investment and development.

With St Theresa’s Hospital expected to transition into a teaching hospital, resolving its land issues will be crucial to unlocking government and partner support for expansion. The mediation committee is expected to continue engagements with all parties in the coming weeks.