Land Dispute Crisis: Easycom Agro Farm CEO Accuses Asante Akyem South MCE of Interference

A growing land dispute in the Asante Akyem South Municipality has sparked public concern as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Easycom Agro Farm Limited, Mr. Charles Osei Dankwaah, has accused the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Sarfowaa, of interference that has crippled the farm’s operations and jeopardized the livelihoods of local workers.

Mr. Dankwaah, in an emotional appeal, has called on the government, the Ashanti Regional Minister, and the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to swiftly intervene in what he describes as an “unlawful obstruction” by the MCE, which has resulted in the suspension of all farming activities on the company’s land at Juaso.

According to the CEO, the MCE allegedly issued threats to the farm’s management and workers, warning them to halt all operations despite the farm having legally acquired the land from the Juaso Biretuo family. The alleged actions, he said, have created fear among workers and halted farming activities at a time when crops were at a critical stage of growth. “The MCE’s interference has completely paralyzed our work. We have invested heavily in this project, employing several youths in the community. But now, because of this unlawful interference, we’ve been forced to stop operations. Crops are rotting in the fields, and workers have lost their income,” Mr. Dankwaah lamented.

He explained that Easycom Agro Farm Limited was established as part of the company’s commitment to support the government’s agricultural transformation agenda and to create sustainable employment for the youth in the area. However, the current impasse, he noted, threatens not only the farm’s survival but also the broader economic goals of the government’s “Planting for Food and Jobs” and “24-Hour Economy” initiatives. “It is disheartening to see that instead of supporting private sector investment, some public officials are rather frustrating legitimate business operations. This attitude discourages investment and undermines Ghana’s economic growth,” he added.

Workers of the farm, visibly distressed, have also appealed for government intervention, insisting that they have become victims of a political power struggle that has nothing to do with their work. Many expressed frustration over losing their daily income due to the suspension of operations. “We depend on this farm to feed our families. We don’t understand why someone in authority would stop us from working on a legally acquired land. We are pleading with the President and Otumfuo to help us return to work,” one worker cried.

Documents made available by the farm’s management indicate that the land was duly purchased from the Juaso Biretuo family, with all relevant customary and legal procedures followed. However, tensions heightened when the MCE allegedly claimed control over the area and directed workers to vacate the site, sparking widespread outrage among residents and local stakeholders.

Mr. Dankwaah has since filed petitions to the Ashanti Regional Minister-designate, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, and the traditional leadership of Juaso, calling for urgent mediation and justice. He also called upon Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to intervene as the custodian of Ashanti lands and an advocate for peace and fairness.

Observers fear that if the issue remains unresolved, the situation could escalate into a broader community conflict, further deepening mistrust between investors and local authorities. Many have urged the government to take swift action to protect private sector investments and ensure that justice prevails.

Easycom Agro Farm Limited, a major private agribusiness operating in the Asante Akyem South Municipality, is known for its contribution to local food production and employment. The current shutdown has not only disrupted agricultural output but has also raised concerns about the treatment of private investors in Ghana’s districts and municipalities.

Mr. Dankwaah concluded his appeal with a call for peace and dialogue, stressing that his company’s only goal is to contribute to Ghana’s food security and community development. “We are not here to fight anyone. We only seek fairness, protection of our legal rights, and the freedom to continue our work in peace. I trust that the government and our traditional leaders will do what is right,” he said.

The matter has since drawn the attention of regional authorities, and stakeholders are hoping for a swift, peaceful resolution to restore operations at Easycom Agro Farm and safeguard the livelihoods of the affected workers.