Judge warns against multiple land sales as farmer faces court

A presiding judge of the Kwadaso Circuit Court, sitting in as a relieving judge at the Asante Abuakwa Circuit Court, has cautioned individuals against the illegal practice of selling the same parcel of land to multiple buyers.

Justice Jephthah Appau said the courts would apply the full force of the law to offenders as a deterrent to others. He noted that such acts not only breached the Lands Act, 2020 (Act 1036) but also created unnecessary disputes and tarnished the reputation of traditional authorities.

The warning came during proceedings involving Nana Kofi Adade, also known as Biney Solomon, a 46-year-old farmer accused of unlawfully granting land without title. His plea was not taken, and he was remanded into custody to reappear on September 12, 2025, while investigations continue.

Background of the Case

According to Police Detective Inspector Alexander Agbekpornu, the complainant, Yaa Amankwah, lawfully acquired plot number 45 at Tabere near Abuakwa in 2001 from the late chief, Nana Sarfo Akumah Abasi, for GH¢3,000. She received both an allocation paper and a site plan.

However, in 2024, the accused allegedly resold the same plot to one Bernard Owusu Sarpong for GH¢46,000 without legal title. The complainant later discovered that her plot had been cleared, including 10 trips of sand, one trip of chippings, 800 cement blocks (GH¢39,460), and a one-bedroom foundation valued at GH¢3,500, which had all been destroyed.

Investigations revealed that the land was sold by the accused together with one Akwasi Anane, who is currently on the run. Following a police report, Nana Adade was arrested and charged.

Judicial Caution

Justice Appau emphasised that the court would clamp down heavily on multiple land sales and related offences, reiterating that offenders should expect severe punishment under the law.