“Stop the Attacks or We’ll Defend Ourselves”: Amantin Council Issues Stern Warning Amid Escalating Land Feud with Akokoa
The Amantin Traditional Council in the Atebubu-Amantin Municipality of the Bono East Region has issued a strong warning, calling for urgent government intervention in an ongoing land dispute between residents of Amantin and Akokoa. The council has expressed its frustration over repeated acts of violence, warning that while the people of Amantin are committed to peace and lawfulness, continued provocation and attacks from Akokoa residents could force them to defend themselves.
The unrest stems from a decades-old land litigation between the Paramount Chiefs of Amantin and Atebubu, dating back to a court ruling in 1984 that declared the Paramount Chief of Amantin the rightful owner of the contested land. However, the Amantin Traditional Council claims that the Paramount Chief of Atebubu has refused to accept the verdict and has allegedly encouraged the Chief of Akokoa to intimidate and harass Amantin farmers who have been cultivating portions of the land for years.
In a statement, the council accused the Akokoa community of inciting violence, holding Amantin farmers hostage, and confiscating their lands. They recounted a series of attacks, including the burning of the residence of Amantinmanhene Dabrehene and violent assaults on residents using machetes, firearms, sticks, and electric wires. Many farmers have reportedly been forced to abandon their farms, causing fear and instability in the area.
Residents say the situation has been compounded by what they describe as the failure of security agencies to take decisive action. They expressed disappointment in the Bono East Regional Minister and the Regional Police Command, accusing them of neglect and inaction despite repeated reports of attacks.
At a press conference today, victims shared harrowing stories of being held hostage, beaten, and stripped of their livelihoods. Members of the Muslim leadership in Amantin, who attempted to mediate peace between the two communities, also claimed they were met with hostility, with their motorbikes set ablaze and some leaders threatened at gunpoint.
The Amantin Traditional Council has appealed to the government, the national security apparatus, and law enforcement authorities to step in swiftly to restore peace and bring perpetrators to justice. They emphasized that their community has exercised restraint for years, but their patience is wearing thin as tensions continue to escalate.
They warned that without immediate action from authorities, they may be left with no choice but to defend themselves, a move they would rather avoid. The council urged stakeholders, including traditional leadership bodies, to investigate the matter thoroughly and uphold the court ruling that affirmed Amantin’s ownership of the land.
For further details, affected residents and local authorities have provided their contact information to support ongoing investigations and calls for peace.
