…Calls out government’s disparity in land usage
The Nii Odoi Kwao family of Osu and the rightful owner of Nima in the Ayawaso East Municipality of the Greater Accra region, is currently embroiled in a fight with the Ayawaso East Municipal Assembly and the government to prevent the demolition of structures and the illegal eviction of traders at the Nima roundabout who have been operating there for several years.
The traders, who have been providing essential services to the community for a long time, are now facing the threat of eviction due to a dispute over land ownership. The Nii Odoi Kwao family, who claim ownership of the land, are determined to protect the livelihoods of the residents and ensure that they are not unjustly displaced.
Speaking in an interview with the Herald Newspaper, member of the prominent Nii Odoi Kwao Family, Robert Nii Odoi Kwao Junior, revealed that the family and the allodial owners of the place was unaware of the recent demolition exercise that took place at Nima and called out the government for its disparity in land usage and is seeking justice for the affected traders and residents.
He believes that the government’s actions are unfair and demonstrate a disparity in the treatment of different land users and called on the government to address this inconsistency and provide a fair and just resolution to the dispute.
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Nii Odoi Kwao Junior stated that the family is determined to fight for the rights of the residents and to ensure that they are not forcibly removed from their place of business adding that the traders play an important role in the community and should be protected and supported, rather than being subjected to unjust eviction.
Expressing strong disagreement with this unlawful act that could potentially destroy peoples livelihoods, he disclosed that the family has resolved to explore every legal means available in order to rectify the situation. Their primary aim is not just to protect their own interests, but also to advocate for the individuals whose businesses and livelihoods were demolished without any warning.
Further emphasizing the family’s commitment to fairness, Nii Odoi Kwao Junior, revealed that the Nii Odoi Kwao family, has had a long-running relationship with the government, involving multiple agreements and compensation settlements. They have upheld their responsibility by adequately compensating their tenants on the family’s land.
“What particularly concerns the family is the clandestine approach being taken to capture the land and settle individuals without proper documentation or records”. He stated.
Nii Odoi Kwao Junior contends that the land in question does not belong to the state, and no conclusive evidence has been presented to establish jurisdiction over it.
He further explained that he Ayawaso East Municipal Assembly was warned through a letter, and legal proceedings were initiated, but the family was advised to engage in negotiation measures for 30 days before proceeding with the court case. Despite attempts to engage in meaningful conversation, the Assembly failed to appear in court or hold discussions with the family, leading to further frustrations.
Nii Odoi Kwao Junior further explained that the land in question was allegedly intended for the installation of Agenda 111, a hospital infrastructure project managed by one Kwabena Nyarko which according to Nyarko, 15 acres of land were required for the Agenda 111 hospital in the Nima area.
However, the land that has already been demolished for this project was only four (4) and a half acres, highlighting a significant disparity between their original claims and the ongoing dispute.
“This pattern of deception and exploitation has been observed in previous situations, such as the Agbogbloshie area and the recent case involving the La General Hospital”. He added.
The Nii Odoi Kwao family aims to expose these schemes and emphasize that the government lacks jurisdiction to seize land without going through the proper legal process for acquisition.
The land in question was acquired under EI 26 in 1964, but due to political unrest, the government was unable to complete the final stages of the acquisition process. Current search results from the Lands Commission indicate that the land is neither state property nor government land.
With documents to support their claims, the family expresses concern that certain political actors are attempting to illegally claim the land in Nima for alternative purposes urging the public to recognize the disparity between the government’s actions under the guise of development projects like Agenda 111 and the deceptive nature of their intentions to seize family and individual lands.
According to Nii Odoi Kwao Junior and his family affirms their lack of knowledge regarding the demolition exercise and strongly opposes any unlawful actions that destroy the livelihoods of individuals.
With an unwavering determination to rectify the situation, the Nii Odoi Kwao family seeks to set an example of rightful compensation for their tenants, while also advocating for the rights and livelihoods of all those affected. Their pursuit of justice will be carried out through legal channels to ensure the right thing is done for the people involved, without compromising the principles of the law.
