BY Daniel Bampoe
The Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has called on chiefs within the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area to intensify efforts to protect ancestral lands against encroachment, unauthorised occupation and other activities that threaten the traditional authority’s control over its lands.
Addressing the State Council Meeting on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Ofori Panin Fie in Kyebi in the Eastern Region, the paramount ruler reminded traditional leaders that the lands entrusted to them by their ancestors were not merely possessions to be controlled for the present generation, but a heritage that must be preserved for generations yet unborn.
He stressed that chiefs had a responsibility to ensure that lands under their traditional jurisdiction were not lost through encroachment or unauthorised takeovers.
The Okyenhene’s warning comes amid continuing concerns over land administration and the protection of traditional lands, issues that have implications for customary authority, community development and the preservation of ancestral heritage.
Concern Over Narawa Mining Concession
A significant issue raised by Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin was the reported takeover of Narawa Mining Company’s concession by some individuals from Accra.
The Okyenhene expressed concern over the development and disclosed that the matter had been referred to the appropriate institutions for redress.
Although details of the alleged takeover and the identities of the individuals involved were not provided in the statement, the issue highlights the importance of safeguarding concessions and ensuring that disputes involving mining rights are addressed through the appropriate legal and institutional channels.
The development also reinforces the need for cooperation between traditional authorities, regulatory institutions and other relevant stakeholders in protecting land and mineral resources within the traditional area.
Chiefs Reminded of Their Responsibility to Future Generations
The Okyenhene further noted that the government had called on traditional authorities across the country to protect their lands, emphasising that Akyem Abuakwa chiefs must also demonstrate commitment to that responsibility.
His message placed particular emphasis on the role of traditional leaders as custodians of ancestral lands and the need for responsible land administration.
The protection of traditional lands remains an important concern for communities, particularly where encroachment, unauthorised transactions and competing claims can create disputes and undermine customary landholding arrangements.
State Secretary Addresses Historical Accounts of Okyenman
Meanwhile, the State Secretary of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area, Daniel Marfo Ofori-Atta, used the meeting to address what he described as distortions in historical accounts of Okyenman being circulated by some breakaway chiefs, particularly those from Akwamufie.
He said efforts were necessary to correct the accounts and ensure that the history of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area was accurately documented and presented to the public.
