Coalition Of Concerned Nzema People Calls For Proper Negotiations Over 20,000 Acre Demarcation Of Land
A pressure group identified itself as the Coalition Of Concerned Nzema People in the Western Region is calling for urgent proper negotiations over 20,000 acres of demarcated land for the establishment of a private sector-led Petroleum Hub Development Project.
It can be recalled that the government of Ghana recently signed an agreement worth 12 Billion Dollars for the establishment of such a project in the Nzema Land.
According to the “Coalition Of Concerned Nzema People”, the authorities connected to the private sector-led Petroleum Hub Development Project have violated their rights under the Land Use and Spatial Planning Act (Act 925) and the Land Act (Act 926).
However, the affected landowners and communities whose land has allegedly been taken through compulsory land acquisition for private-led investment Build, Own, and Operate said they acknowledge the Petroleum Hub Development Project but insist on proper negotiations.
Again they acknowledge the potential benefits, including 780,000 employment opportunities and economic growth as stipulated in their proposal and Local Content Policy (L.I.2204).
Speaking on behalf of the affected landowners and communities, the JOMORO YOUTH MOVEMENT President Okogyefo Martin Erzah Fiifi-Millson said the greater benefits will go to the Jomoro Municipal Assembly in the form of business operating license fees, payment of property rates, withholding tax to the government, and other business opportunities to the enclave and entire Jomoro Constituency.
Furthermore, Okogyefo Martin Erzah emphasized that their rights and interest must be respected and protected, under Article 20 of the 1992 Constitution and the Land Act.
Highlighting the pressure group perspective, he said they demand fair compensation as required by law and a mutually beneficial agreement, Adequate and fair compensation for cash crops and other farm produce, a mutually agreed employment quota for communities that is 15% for the affected communities and 20% for the entire Municipality and Nzema as a whole.
Again, generational compensation, equity in land use, a share in project benefits, good road infrastructure, communication network, health and education facilities, registration of lands belonging to the affected families, individuals, and chiefs and their families in their names with the Land Commission, instead of solely registering in the name of the chiefs and Awulae.
The pressure group indicated that the 20,000-acre demarcated enclave designated for development poses a significant threat to their livelihood and exceeds their capacity in terms of land size.
Notwithstanding, the proposed “live wall” in the Spatial plans will restrict access to their farms and essential activities.
Meanwhile, some of the affected farmers and residents in the communities expressed their dissatisfaction and called for proper negotiations.
They request a reduction in the demarcated land to prevent it from being declared a free zone area.
Moreover, the affected families, landowners, and residents who spoke to the media during a press conference on Tuesday 9, July 2024 emphasized that authorities declaring the demarcated area a Free Zone Area will deprive the chiefs and them of their rights to manage land for private investment.
The Mbrantehene of Nzemaland, Nana Kaku Anyimiah I, adding his voice said the 202,000 acre demarcated land which constitutes 80,000 plots of land will deprive them of their
survival as the majority of the indigenes are into farming activities.
The pressure group, Coalition Of Concerned Nzema People is therefore cautioning the current traditional and political leaders against relinquishing their land without Proper Negotiation, Fair Settlement, and Mutual Agreement.
According to them, they welcome the the establishment of the Petroleum Hub Development Project of which they are willing to negotiate and find balancing development with justice and equity but will seek legal remedies and advocate for policy changes if their rights are violated.
These communities including, Kabenla-Suazo (including Old Kabenla-Suazo, Boka-Akole, and Asempaye), Takinta, Ahobere Ekie, Egbazo, Nawule, Ndum-Suazo, Bonyere, Ahobere Ekyie, Alowule (including Nyamenle Kwame), Elena (including Nzelenu and Eleña Warf), Nuba, and Tikobo 1 would be affected if the establishment of the Petroleum Hub Development Project commences.
However, Old Kabenla-Suazo, Boka-Akole, Asempaye and Nyamenle Kwame being among the affected communities would be resettled.
Story: Benjamin Bray
