Ga-Dangme Council Condemns Alleged Illegal Eviction Attempt at Okanta: A Comprehensive Analysis

Introduction: Ga-Dangme Council Condemns Alleged Illegal Eviction at Okanta

The Ga-Dangme Council has formally condemned an alleged illegal attempt to evict long-standing Ga-Dangme settlers from their ancestral lands in Okanta, Eastern Region. In a strongly worded statement issued on December 14, 2025, the Council highlighted concerns over threats, intimidation, and forced displacement targeting families who have resided in Okanta for nearly two centuries. This dispute raises critical questions about property rights, constitutional protections, and peaceful coexistence in Ghana’s land management framework.

This article provides an in-depth examination of the situation, exploring its historical context, legal implications, and pathways to resolution. We analyze relevant Ghanaian land laws, constitutional provisions, and human rights standards, while offering practical guidance for stakeholders committed to upholding the rule of law.

Key Points of the Ga-Dangme Council’s Statement

Core Allegations and Concerns

• Illegal Eviction Attempts: The Council accuses unnamed individuals of using threats and coercion to forcibly remove Ga-Dangme settlers from Okanta.
• 200 Years of Continuous Residence: Affected families trace their ancestry to the Greater Accra Region and have maintained uninterrupted occupation since the early 19th century.
• Constitutional Violations: Actions contravene Articles 18(1), 20, 15(1), and 17 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, which guarantee property rights, prohibit arbitrary deprivation, and forbid discrimination.
• Link to Illegal Mining: The Council suggests evictions may facilitate unlawful mining operations, emphasizing the role of vigilantism in land disputes.

Immediate Calls to Action

• Urgent intervention from the Eastern Regional Security Council and law enforcement agencies.
• Clarification from traditional authorities to prevent misuse of indigeneity claims for illegal gains.
• Promotion of dialogue over force to preserve social harmony in the Eastern Region.

Background: Historical Context of Okanta Settlements

Historical Settlement Patterns

The Ga-Dangme people’s presence in Okanta predates many contemporary land claims in the Eastern Region. Genealogical records and oral histories indicate that these settlers migrated from the Greater Accra Region during the 1820s, establishing agricultural communities that thrived for generations. Their integration into local networks included participation in regional trade, farming cooperatives, and community development initiatives.

Legal Recognition of Long-Term Occupation

Ghanaian jurisprudence recognizes prolonged, peaceful occupation as a basis for property rights. The Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036) explicitly acknowledges that settlers who have occupied land for extended periods may acquire valid interests, provided their tenure is documented and non-conflictual. The Ga-Dangme Council emphasizes that Okanta settlers meet these criteria, having maintained uninterrupted possession and investment for nearly two centuries.

Legal Analysis: Constitutional and Statutory Protections

Constitutional Safeguards for Property Rights

Article 18(1): Right to Own Property

Article 18(1) of the 1992 Constitution states: “Every person shall have the right to own or inherit movable or immovable property.” This provision creates a robust shield against arbitrary dispossession. The Ga-Dangme Council argues that the alleged evictions violate this fundamental right, as they lack due process or judicial sanction.

Article 20: Protection Against Arbitrary Acquisition

Article 20 prohibits the compulsory acquisition of property except “in the public interest” and “subject to compensation.” The Council contends that any eviction must follow this strict procedure, which includes fair market valuation and formal government approval—neither of which occurred in Okanta.

Human Rights Dimensions

Article 15(1): Right to Dignity

Article 15(1) mandates that “the dignity of all persons shall be inviolable.” The Council asserts that intimidation tactics, including threats of violence, degrade human dignity and constitute psychological harm.

Article 17: Prohibition of Discrimination

Article 17 forbids discrimination based on “place of origin, circumstances of birth, or other status.” The alleged targeting of Ga-Dangme settlers solely due to ethnic affiliation violates this principle, framing the evictions as ethnically motivated land grabs.

The Land Act, 2020: Reinforcing Settler Rights

Section 16 of the Land Act, 2020 recognizes “customary rights of occupancy” for communities with historical ties to land. It also mandates dispute resolution through courts of competent jurisdiction or recognized traditional mechanisms, explicitly rejecting extrajudicial force. The Council’s statement aligns with this statutory framework, urging adherence to due process.

Practical Advice: Pathways to Peaceful Resolution

For Security Agencies

• Immediate Deployment: The Eastern Regional Security Council should dispatch personnel to Okanta to prevent escalations and protect vulnerable residents.
• Investigation of Allegations: Law enforcement must probe reported threats, documenting evidence (e.g., video footage cited by the Council) and prosecuting perpetrators under criminal law.

For Traditional Authorities

• Transparency in Land Governance: Traditional leaders must verify claims of indigeneity against historical records and avoid endorsing coercive actions.
• Facilitation of Dialogue: Organize mediated discussions between affected parties, focusing on documentation of land rights and mutually beneficial solutions.

For Affected Communities

• Documentation of Rights: Compile genealogical charts, title deeds, and witness accounts to substantiate long-term occupation.
• Engagement with Legal Frameworks: Pursue redress through the courts, citing constitutional provisions and the Land Act, 2020.

FAQ: Common Questions About the Okanta Land Dispute

What Constitutional Articles Protect Property Rights in Ghana?

Articles 18(1) (right to own property), 20 (protection against compulsory acquisition), 15(1) (dignity), and 17 (non-discrimination) collectively form the legal bedrock for property rights. These provisions ensure that dispossession requires due process and fair compensation.

Can Customary Land Claims Override Long-Term Settlement?

No. While customary systems hold cultural significance, the Land Act, 2020 integrates them within a statutory framework that prioritizes legal certainty and equity. Long-term, peaceful occupation is recognized as a valid basis for rights, irrespective of indigeneity claims.

What Role Do Traditional Leaders Play in Land Disputes?

Traditional leaders mediate disputes and authenticate customary rights but must operate within Ghana’s legal boundaries. Their authority cannot legitimize illegal actions; instead, they should refer contentious cases to judicial bodies to ensure impartiality.

How Can Communities Prevent Ethno-Regional Conflicts Over Land?

Promoting inclusive land governance—through transparent registries, community dialogues, and respect for constitutional equality—reduces tensions. Education on rights and obligations under the Land Act, 2020, is also critical.

Conclusion: Upholding Unity Through Lawful Land Management

The alleged eviction attempt at Okanta underscores the delicate interplay between historical settlement, legal rights, and social cohesion in Ghana. The Ga-Dangme Council’s condemnation highlights a broader imperative: land disputes must be resolved through constitutional means, not coercion. By adhering to Articles 18, 20, 15, and 17, and leveraging the Land Act, 2020, stakeholders can foster a future where ancestral heritage and peace coexist.

As Ghana progresses, the principles of due process, non-discrimination, and dialogue remain indispensable. No citizen—regardless of ethnicity or origin—should face displacement from land their forebears have cultivated for generations.

Sources & References

• Ga-Dangme Council Statement (December 14, 2025). Original source: Life Pulse Daily.
• 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana. Articles 15, 17, 18, and 20.
• Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036). Ghana Legal Resources.
• Ghana Human Rights Commission. Guidelines on Land Dispute Resolution (2023).

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