By Grace Zigah
A brewing controversy over the alleged acquisition of 50 acres of land by the Igbo community in Ghana has prompted a swift and firm denial from the leadership of the Eze Igbo Palace, even as political representatives in the Ningo-Prampram constituency condemn the supposed land claim as baseless and inflammatory.
The tension erupted following renewed social media claims that Eze Ohazurume I of Ndigbo, the traditional head of the Igbo community in Ghana, had acquired 250 plots of land in Ningo, Greater Accra Region, with plans to establish an autonomous “Igbo Village.”
But in a detailed public statement issued by Ronney Gogo, Head of Communications for the Eze Igbo Palace, the leadership categorically denied any such acquisition or intention, calling the reports “misinformation” rooted in misinterpreted media from over a decade ago.
The misinformation is traced back to a 2013 interview with Crystal TV, which was conducted in the aftermath of Eze Ohazurume I’s coronation in 2012.
During the interview, the concept of establishing a cultural village was discussed as a future aspiration—but, according to the Palace, the idea never materialised.
Gogo clarified that by 2014, the initiative had been abandoned, citing unresolved disputes over the true ownership of the land originally earmarked.
Since then, the Palace asserts, no plans, applications, or acquisitions have been made regarding the creation of an Igbo Village anywhere in Ghana.
Political Leaders Respond
The resurgence of the topic online prompted a quick and sharp reaction from Sam George, Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram and the current Minister for Communications.
In a post on social media, the outspoken MP declared unequivocally:
“No ‘King’ has any kingdom or land in the Ningo-Prampram Constituency. Disregard any such claims. The ancient Great Ningo kingdom is welcoming to all who visit us, but none is welcome to lay claim to a kingdom here.”
He further stressed that while the people of Ningo are known for their hospitality, it should not be mistaken for docility or territorial concession.
Palace Reassures
In its official statement, the Eze Igbo Palace emphasized the community’s longstanding peaceful coexistence with Ghanaians, noting that Eze Ohazurume I has been a law-abiding resident since 1995, and is married to a Ghanaian businesswoman.
The Palace reiterated its respect for Ghana’s laws and sovereignty, asserting that no actions—past or present—have been taken to undermine the relationship between the Igbo and Ghanaian communities.
“We would never engage in any activity that would mar the strong relationship between the Igbo people residing here and the Ghanaian community,” the statement read. “There is currently no plot of land in Ghana that has been earmarked for an ‘Igbo Village’.”
The leadership further called on the public and the media to verify facts before spreading speculative or false information, especially on sensitive issues such as land ownership and ethnic relations.
