Tensions are rising in Akyem Dwafoakwa in the Lower West Akyem Municipality of the Eastern Region, as peasant farmers and residents protest alleged attacks by landguards amid a violent land dispute.
Reports indicate that a group of landguards assaulted farmers and local youth over a contested land seizure.
The dispute stems from claims that the Asamankese Traditional Council sold farmlands to a private developer without consulting the farmers.
At a press conference, the affected farmers expressed outrage over the alleged confiscation of their lands and the destruction of 7,000 acres of crops, including cocoa, palm fruits, pawpaw, oranges, plantains, cassava, and cocoyams.
They have called on authorities to intervene and protect their livelihoods.
One of the victims, 22-year-old Kwadwo Akafo, recounted a harrowing attack, alleging that armed landguards stormed their homes wielding guns, machetes, and cudgels. He claimed he was struck with a gun butt and that the assailants threatened to kill the youth in the area.
However, Okyeamen Panyin of the Asamankese Traditional Council, Okyeman Kwame Nyamekye, denied allegations of brutality, countering that the youth were the aggressors.
According to him, they attacked traditional leaders (Nananom) who were preparing to perform purification rites at the Dwafoakwa palace. He further emphasized that the Akyem Abuakwa traditional area recognizes the Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Nana Amoatia Ofori Panin, as the ultimate custodian of all land.
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