By Issah Olegor
Growing concerns over recurring land disputes in the Nsawam-Adoagyiri Municipality have prompted the Chief of Nokoyedzen-Larteiman, Nii Lartei Nokoyedzen II, to petition three of the most revered traditional rulers to intervene and permanently resolve what he describes as longstanding uncertainty over traditional boundaries that threatens peace and development in the area.
In a petition dated July 31, 2026, the chief appealed to Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Okuapehene, Oseadeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, and Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, to convene a historic joint meeting to clearly demarcate the traditional boundaries within the municipality.
Copies of the petition were also forwarded to President John Dramani Mahama, the Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, the National Peace Council, and the Inspector-General of Police, highlighting the significance of the matter and the need for a peaceful and lasting solution.
According to Nii Lartei Nokoyedzen II, the appeal is not intended to fuel conflict but rather to preserve the longstanding peaceful coexistence among the various traditional authorities and communities that have shared the municipality for centuries.
He described Nsawam-Adoagyiri as one of the unique traditional jurisdictions where the territories of three major traditional areas—the Ga, Akuapem, and Akyem kingdoms—intersect, making clarity over traditional boundaries essential for peaceful coexistence and sustainable development.
Historical Covenant of Unity
Providing historical context to his appeal, the chief recalled what he described as a sacred covenant entered into by the ancestors of the three traditional groups in 1733, when they forged an alliance based on freedom, unity and mutual protection.
According to him, that historic agreement laid the foundation for peaceful coexistence, with lands in present-day Nsawam-Adoagyiri and surrounding communities shared among the traditional areas in a manner that allowed each to recognise and respect the territorial jurisdiction of the other.
He noted that for generations, communities lived peacefully under that arrangement, guided by mutual respect and recognition of traditional authority.
Rising Land Disputes
However, the chief expressed concern that the absence of publicly recognised and clearly documented traditional boundaries has, in recent years, generated uncertainty over land ownership, resulting in increasing disputes, mistrust and tension among communities.
He warned that if the current situation is allowed to persist without intervention, it could undermine the peace that has existed in the municipality for centuries and create unnecessary conflict over land ownership and traditional authority.
According to him, what had historically been a relationship founded on brotherhood and cooperation is gradually becoming a source of division due to competing claims over portions of land.
Call for Historic Meeting
To address the situation, Nii Lartei Nokoyedzen II called on the Ga Mantse, Okuapehene and Okyenhene to organise a joint traditional sitting involving their accredited boundary chiefs, historians and customary authorities.
He proposed that the meeting should carefully examine historical records and customary evidence before issuing a final and documented determination of the traditional boundaries separating the three traditional areas within the Nsawam-Adoagyiri Municipality.
The chief believes such a decision would provide certainty for traditional leaders, residents, investors and government institutions while preventing future disputes.
Government and Peace Council Urged to Support Process
The petition also calls on the Government of Ghana and the National Peace Council to facilitate the proposed dialogue to ensure that the process is transparent, credible and accepted by all parties.
According to the chief, the involvement of state institutions would strengthen confidence in the outcome and help guarantee lasting peace within the municipality.
He further pledged that he and the people of Nokoyedzen-Larteiman would fully accept whatever decision emerges from the joint traditional deliberations in the interest of unity, social cohesion and development.
Appeal for Peace Over Conflict
Nii Lartei Nokoyedzen II stressed that his community seeks development rather than confrontation, arguing that unresolved boundary disputes discourage investment, create uncertainty and threaten harmonious relations among neighbouring communities.
He appealed to the three traditional rulers to preserve the spirit of unity established by their forefathers nearly three centuries ago by ensuring that the 1733 covenant of peace continues to guide relations among the Ga, Akuapem and Akyem traditional areas.
