Otumfuo, Come to Our Aid: Sokoban Wood Village Workers Appeal for Help Over Land Dispute

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The Sokoban Wood Village Workers Association has made an urgent appeal to His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, requesting his intervention in a brewing land dispute that threatens the future of the village. The association claims that a 14.52-acre piece of land, generously granted to them by Otumfuo, is being unlawfully claimed by another party, leading to a halt in their development efforts.

In a press conference held on October 15, 2024, the leadership of the association detailed how the land, allocated by Otumfuo to support the expansion of the Sokoban Wood Village, has become the center of a conflict. The land was granted to help meet the growing demands of artisans within the enclave, facilitating a much-needed expansion of their workspace and infrastructure.

With the support of international partners, including the French Agency for Development (AFD) and the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ), the Sokoban Wood Village Workers Association began a series of development projects on the land. These efforts included the clearing and grading of the site, the construction of over 60 sheds (40 of which are now at the roofing stage), as well as the installation of roads, drainage systems, electricity, and public sanitary facilities.

However, these developments were abruptly interrupted when Nana Kwaku Duah, Otumfuo Taasen Hene, claimed that part of the land belongs to him. According to the association, Nana Kwaku Duah’s claims have led to severe disruptions, including the destruction of sheds valued at over GH¢1,000,000.00 and the arrest of some village leaders by land guards allegedly hired by him.

Nana Kwaku Duah asserts that Otumfuo Osei Tutu II divided the land into three parts—one portion for Otumfuo, one for Nana Kwaku Duah himself, and the last for the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), which allocated it to the Sokoban Wood Village. The Sokoban Wood Village Workers Association, however, disputes this claim, insisting that they have not received any formal communication from the Manhyia Palace to confirm such a division. The association remains resolute in its stance that the entire 14.52-acre land was allocated to them by Otumfuo during his visit to the village, and they are urgently seeking his intervention to resolve the matter.

Speaking at the press conference, the association’s spokesperson expressed deep frustration, emphasizing their trust in Otumfuo’s leadership to restore peace and ensure the continuation of the village’s development. “This land was given to us by His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to support the artisans here, and we cannot stand by while it is taken unlawfully,” the spokesperson stated.

The Sokoban Wood Village, home to a thriving community of artisans, plays a critical role in the local economy, serving as a hub for woodworking and craftsmanship in the Ashanti Region and beyond. The village’s expansion, through the development of the 14.52-acre land, is seen as a key component in meeting the growing needs of artisans who rely on the space for their livelihoods.

The association revealed that despite their attempts to seek clarification from the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), they have yet to receive any formal response. Frustrated by the inaction, the Sokoban Wood Village Workers Association has announced a series of measures aimed at compelling the authorities to act. These measures include the suspension of market road toll collections, the withholding of payments for shed rentals, and the closure of the Administration Block of the village, effectively halting all administrative activities.

In addition, the association has warned that if the issue remains unresolved, they will not hesitate to embark on a demonstration to draw further attention to their plight.

The ongoing land dispute has already resulted in significant financial losses, with the destruction of the sheds and other infrastructure on the site, causing setbacks for the artisans who depend on these facilities. The association stressed the importance of swift intervention, not only to prevent further damage but also to secure the livelihoods of the many artisans working in the village.

In their concluding remarks, the Sokoban Wood Village Workers Association called on Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to use his influence to restore order and protect the land he generously granted to them. They also urged the KMA and other relevant stakeholders to act decisively to resolve the dispute.