Landowners urged not to panic as Prampram-Shai land dispute is settled
By DL News
Published
2 min read
For years, both traditional areas have laid claim to extensive lands, a contention that has sparked violent clashes, arrests, and court cases.
Landowners near the newly resolved disputed boundary between the Prampram and Shai Traditional Areas have been assured that their properties remain secure despite the resolution of the Prampram-Shai land dispute.
For years, both traditional areas have laid claim to extensive lands, a contention that has sparked violent clashes, arrests, and court cases. However, after prolonged negotiations facilitated by the Lands Commission and key elders from both communities, a lasting settlement has been achieved.
The breakthrough came with the mutual acceptance of a historical Jackson Report—a document compiled by a British colonial official in the early 1900s that accurately details land ownership in the area.
During a press briefing held on Saturday, February 22, in Prampram, Evans TN Nartey, the administrator of the Prampram Customary Land Secretariat, flanked by elders representing the four divisions of the Prampram Traditional Area, explained that although the Lands Commission-led demarcation exercise might have altered names on some land documents, measures are in place to protect owners’ rights.
He urged anyone who had acquired land along the boundary from the Shai Traditional Area not to be alarmed. “Rest assured, the affected divisions, clans, and families have implemented necessary steps through the Prampram Customary Land Secretariat to address these changes,” he stated.
Mr. Nartey emphasized that the Jackson Report’s long-standing, reliable account of land ownership played a crucial role in reaching this agreement, as both sides were already familiar with and had accepted its findings. He also highlighted that the creation of the Prampram Customary Land Secretariat was instrumental in unifying negotiations, allowing all parties to work from a common platform.
Nene Ayiku Obleh Adebontenya IV, Divisional Chief of Kley and President of the secretariat, also reaffirmed the commitment of the traditional area's divisional heads to honor the agreement. He expressed hope that this resolution would finally put an end to past disputes and violent incidents, emphasizing the secretariat’s mission to manage traditional lands effectively while restoring trust in land administration.
Representatives from the Olowe, Kley, Annor We, and Lakpleh divisions were in attendance, underscoring the collective effort to maintain peace and stability in the region.
