Eastern Region: Protect Okanta settlers – Ga-Dangme Council to authorities

The Ga-Dangme Council has condemned what it describes as unlawful attempts to forcibly eject Ga-Dangme settlers from Okanta in the Eastern Region, following reports and videos of threats and intimidation against the community.

In a press release issued on December 14, 2025, and signed by its President, J. Ayikoi Otoo, the Council said Ga-Dangme families have lived, occupied, and possessed land in Okanta peacefully for nearly 200 years.

According to the statement, these families migrated from the Greater Accra Region several generations ago and have since established permanent homes and livelihoods in the area.

The Council said the settlers have coexisted peacefully with neighbouring communities over the years, contributing to agriculture, trade, and social development without any challenge to their presence or land ownership.

It accused some individuals, claiming to be indigenes of the Eastern Region, of using threats, harassment, and force to dislodge the Ga-Dangme families, allegedly to hand the land over to illegal mining operators. The Council described such actions as reckless, intimidating, and illegal.

Citing the 1992 Constitution, the Ga-Dangme Council stressed that every person has the right to own property and cannot be arbitrarily deprived of it. It also noted that Ghanaian law recognises long, peaceful occupation of land and protects settlers from eviction based solely on claims of indigeneity.

The Council further referenced the Land Act, 2020, which recognises the rights of settlers who have occupied land for extended periods, and said any land dispute must be resolved through the courts or recognised traditional authorities, not through acts of vigilantism.

It warned that the reported actions in Okanta violate constitutional provisions guaranteeing human dignity and prohibiting discrimination based on ethnicity or place of origin.

The Ga-Dangme Council has called on the Eastern Regional Security Council and law enforcement agencies to intervene immediately to maintain peace and protect lives and property. It also urged the National and Eastern Regional Houses of Chiefs, as well as local opinion leaders, to prevent the abuse of customary authority and to promote dialogue and peaceful coexistence.

While reaffirming its commitment to peace and unity, the Council said it will pursue all lawful and constitutional means to defend the rights, dignity and ancestral heritage of Ga-Dangme people across Ghana.