The Amantin Traditional Council in the Atebubu-Amantin Municipality of the Bono East Region is pleading with the government and security agencies to urgently restore peace following a violent land dispute with residents of Akokoa. The council has condemned a series of violent attacks, including the burning of homes, assaults on farmers, and the seizure of farmlands, describing the situation as a growing threat to regional stability.
The dispute stems from a long-standing land litigation between the Paramount Chiefs of Amantin and Atebubu, which was settled in 1984 when a court ruling affirmed the Paramount Chief of Amantin as the rightful owner of the contested land. The council alleges, however, that the ruling has been deliberately ignored and accuses the Paramount Chief of Atebubu of encouraging his sub-chief, the Chief of Akokoa, to intimidate and harass Amantin farmers who were legally allocated land for farming in Akokoa and nearby areas.
According to residents, the situation has escalated into targeted acts of violence. The home of the Amantinmanhene Dabrehene has reportedly been set ablaze, and several farmers have been severely beaten with machetes, firearms, sticks, and electric wires. Victims claim they have been held hostage, stripped of their farmland, and left in fear for their lives. Many have abandoned their farms, further worsening economic hardship in the area.
Community members are expressing deep frustration over what they describe as inaction from law enforcement. They accuse the Bono East Regional Minister and the Regional Police Command of failing to intervene decisively despite numerous reports of violence, destruction of property, and threats against residents. At a press conference held in Amantin, victims recounted harrowing experiences, appealing for justice and protection from the ongoing attacks.
Religious leaders have also been caught in the crossfire. Leaders of the Muslim community in Amantin, who attempted to mediate between the two sides, reported that their efforts were met with hostility, including threats at gunpoint and the burning of their motorbikes. They condemned the actions of Akokoa residents and warned that the conflict could escalate further if authorities fail to act swiftly.
The Amantin Traditional Council has reaffirmed its commitment to peace and lawfulness, emphasizing that the community has remained patient despite repeated provocations. They, however, cautioned that their restraint should not be mistaken for weakness, warning that they may be forced to defend themselves if attacks continue unchecked. The council urged the government, national security agencies, and traditional leadership institutions to enforce the 1984 court ruling, investigate the perpetrators of the violence, and ensure that peace and order are restored in the municipality.
Residents and traditional leaders are also appealing to the media and civil society organizations to draw attention to the worsening situation, stressing that the violence is not only a threat to Amantin but to the entire Bono East Region if left unresolved.
