Conflict Over Akyem Akroso Royal Cemetery: Sale, Lease, or Relocation?

Date: January 18, 2026 | Category: Local News / Land Disputes

Introduction

Significant tension has erupted in Akyem Akroso, a community in Ghana’s Eastern Region, following allegations regarding the status of a sacred royal cemetery. The dispute centers on claims that the Akrosohene, Nana Kwabena Ofori II, has sold or leased the ancestral burial ground to an investor for the construction of a shopping center. This conflict highlights the delicate balance between traditional heritage rights, land ownership, and modern development. As community members threaten legal and physical resistance, and the traditional ruler denies the allegations, the situation requires a detailed examination of the facts.

Key Points

Background

To understand the gravity of the situation in Akyem Akroso, it is essential to recognize the cultural significance of royal cemeteries in Ghanaian traditional settings. These sites are not merely burial grounds; they are considered sacred spaces where the spirits of ancestors reside, serving as a spiritual anchor for the community and its leadership.

The current controversy involves the “royal cemetery” traditionally used by the chiefs of Akroso. According to reports, the Toa Number One extended family, a key lineage within the community, has raised alarms over the potential destruction of this site. The family alleges that the Akrosohene has entered into an agreement with an investor to develop a shopping center on the land.

This development has triggered a warning from five prominent members of the Toa Number One family: John Asare, R. K. Duodu, Kwasi Acheampong, Kwame Opare, and Yaw Arhin. They have issued a stern ultimatum to the chief and the investor, demanding they abandon the project immediately or face the consequences. Their stance is rooted in the belief that the cemetery contains the mortal remains of their ancestors, including past leaders like Nana Yaw Darkwah I, Nana Yaw Darkwah III, Nana Kwaku Addai, and Ohemaa Botwe.

Analysis

The conflict in Akyem Akroso is a classic example of a land dispute compounded by traditional authority and development pressures. The analysis must look at the narratives presented by both the traditional council and the concerned family.

The Akrosohene’s Position

Nana Kwabena Ofori II has categorically denied the accusation of selling the land. His defense rests on two main pillars: historical abandonment and regulatory compliance.

First, he asserts that the specific cemetery in question was abandoned approximately 25 years ago. He cites an order from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that mandated the relocation of the burial ground because it was situated too close to a water body (a stream). From a legal and environmental perspective, this is a valid concern; burial sites near water sources can pose health risks due to potential groundwater contamination.

Second, the Akrosohene states that the relocation was done in consultation with the Toa Number One extended family, specifically mentioning the involvement of the Abusuapanin (family head), Kofi Owusu Botwe. He claims a new cemetery was established at Akyem Bantama near Akroso, where three sub-chiefs have already been buried. This suggests that the traditional rites and succession of burials have continued at a new location.

The Toa Number One Family’s Counter-Claim

John Asare, speaking on behalf of the family, refutes the narrative of abandonment. He argues that the spiritual potency of the original site remains active because the ancestors are still buried there. The family emphasizes that the last burial at the site occurred only four years ago (relative to the report), involving Nana Kwasi Adanse. This timeline directly contradicts the claim of 25-year abandonment.

The family’s reaction is driven by a desire to protect the sanctity of their heritage. They have taken proactive steps to wall the cemetery, a physical measure to prevent unauthorized entry and potential desecration. Furthermore, Mr. Asare highlights a history of unilateral decision-making by the Akrosohene regarding town development, suggesting a deeper grievance over governance and inclusion in community planning.

Lease vs. Sale: The Commercial Aspect

A critical distinction in this dispute is the nature of the transaction. While initial reports suggested a “sale,” Nana Ofori clarifies that the arrangement is a lease, not a sale. He emphasizes that since his enstoolment 22 years ago, he has never sold or signed off on any plot of land.

The proposed development—a shopping center—comes with a promise of economic benefit: the creation of 50 jobs for unemployed youth in Akroso. This introduces a development-oriented argument. The chief and his supporters point to other infrastructure achievements, such as housing the District Health Directorate, Electoral Commission office, Fire Service, and Narcotic Control Commission, as evidence of their commitment to the town’s progress.

Practical Advice

For communities and individuals facing similar disputes over land and heritage, the following steps are recommended to ensure resolution and preservation of rights:

1. Verify Land Title and History

Before any development or transaction, all parties should verify the history of the land. In Ghana, land disputes often arise from conflicting interpretations of customary law versus statutory law. Obtaining a certified search at the Land Title Registry and reviewing the history of the site with the Office of the Administrator of Stool Lands can provide clarity.

2. Engage in Mediation

Direct confrontation often leads to crisis. The parties in Akyem Akroso should consider mediation through the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs or the Regional Coordinating Council. These bodies have the authority to interpret customary rites and facilitate dialogue between the traditional authority and the extended family.

3. Environmental Compliance

If the EPA previously ordered a relocation due to proximity to a stream, any new development must strictly adhere to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations. Developers and traditional leaders should ensure that all EPA certifications are up to date to avoid legal retroactive penalties.

4. Documentation of Ancestral Claims

Families claiming rights to ancestral land should maintain clear records of burials and lineage. The Toa Number One family’s ability to name specific chiefs buried there strengthens their moral and customary claim. Written minutes of family meetings regarding land use are vital evidence.

FAQ

Conclusion

The situation in Akyem Akroso encapsulates the friction between preserving cultural heritage and pursuing economic development. While the Akrosohene argues that the land in question was abandoned for environmental reasons and that the new site is functional, the Toa Number One family maintains that the sanctity of the original burial ground remains intact due to recent burials and ancestral significance.

Ultimately, the resolution lies not in threats of crisis but in transparent dialogue and legal verification. Whether the transaction is a lease or a sale, and whether the land is truly abandoned, must be determined through official records and mediation. For the community to move forward, both the traditional authority and the extended family must find common ground that respects the ancestors while considering the future economic needs of Akroso’s youth.