Tension mounts between Krobos and Akyems over VRA resettlement community

Tension is mounting at Dedeso-Wireko, a VRA resettlement community in Fanteakwa North District in Eastern Region following an attempt by the regent of Akyem Begoro Traditional Area Nana Bosompem Ayirepe II to celebrate Akwasidae on the disputed community.

Few days ago, the acting chief sent painters to the community under an armed police guard to renovate the palace in preparation for the Akwasidae despite seething agitation by the residents.

However, information gathered by Starr News indicates that residents of Dedeso-Wireko who are predominantly Krobos are threatening to stop the traditional council from performing the Akwasidae on the disputed land.

Some women and children have already deserted the community to seek refuge.

Dedeso-Wireko is a VRA resettlement community on 8,700.24KM land acquired by government in 1969 through Executive Instrument (EI.54).

However, the regent of Akyem Begoro Traditional Council Nana Bosompem Ayirepe II says the area was not properly acquired by the state therefore the traditional council will reclaim the land.

The protracted land dispute has resulted in many bloody clashes in the past.

Already, fourteen (14) residents are standing trial at the Koforidua Circuit Court for conspiracy, causing harm, and causing damage.

The accused persons are Michael Teye Sackey, a teacher; Randolph Tetteh, a teacher; Samuel Batsa, a farmer; and Simon Tetteh, also a farmer.

The rest of the accused persons are Richard Naakah, teacher; Bedasu Kofi Livingston, farmer; Francis Mausor, farmer; Osom Akwetey, Alex Tetteh Bio, Alex Tetteh bio, Partey Ben, Emmanuel Ahuble, Asare Kofi, Klodu Frederick, and Samuel Agbeitor all farmers.

However, the 15th accused person Bullet is still at large.

Prosecuting Officer Chief Inspector Owusu Ababio said, On June 26, 2021, at about 9:0am, the regent of Begoro traditional area mobilized a group of thugs numbering about 20 from Begoro, Apaa, and Nsawam communities armed them with his personal pump action gun and cutlasses, hired a Nissan Mini truck with registration number GW 1551-21 and two motorbikes and delegated one Nana Barffuor Bimpong to take them onto the disputed land at Perteifoo junction in Dedeso-Wireko.

On reaching Abuorso police station, Nana Baffour Bimpong Kwakye requested for police escort which Constable Kinni Daniel was detailed to escort the group.

The chief asked the armed men to take the lead as he went to Dedeso police station to request more police officers.

The group upon reaching Ashaiman Kope, a village near Dedeso, met three Krobo residents on a motorbike which they identified the rider as one of the people claiming ownership of the disputed land during their previous visit hence jumped off the truck and started beating them.

The Krobo inhabitants on hearing the incident mobilized and armed themselves with guns and cutlasses and rushed to the scene to fight the thugs.

They outnumbered the thugs, brutalized, and inflicted multiple cutlass wounds on two of the thugs namely Godfred Blewusi,29, and Stephen Tetteh,28. The rioting residents drove two Hyundai mini Trucks to block the road and subsequently set fire into it.

They also allegedly ransacked a room belonging to Abu Madam a farmworker for the regent of Begoro and allegedly stole GH¢15,000.

The accused persons are on GH¢70,000 bail.

The judge adjourned the case to February 7, 2022, and advised the prosecution to build a proper case stating that the current charge sheet does not support the facts neither does it indict the accused persons.

Meanwhile, the docket has been forwarded to the Attorney General’s department for advice.