The overlord of the Awiaso-Nzema traditional area, Awulae Kaku Ackah Ill has declined releasing a proposed 20,000 acres of land that government is seeking for the creation of an oil hub.
Prior to the above statement, Omanhene of Western Nzema, Awulae Annor Adjaye IIl, pledged giving out 20,000 acres of Nzema stool lands to government for the project at a public gathering held by the Ministry of Energy at Half Assini in the Jomoro Municipality.
But speaking on radio Gold’s show, Pampaso hosted by Kwasi Boakye, the overlord of the Awiaso-Nzema traditional area, Awulae Kaku Ackah Ill said the land is too huge and therefore can’t give out a land of that magnitude to government for the oil hub.
“The 20000 acres of land the government wants to take for the construction of the oil hub is too huge. Although I need developmental projects in my area, I won’t release such a vast land to the energy ministry. I’ll give government 5000 acres to start work. And if there will be the need for an additional land for the project depending on its state, I’ll release additional 5000 acres .”
He explained that, natives and residents in the area will get aggrieved if he gives out 20,000 acre of land.
The Chief indicated further that his people will go hungry because there won’t be enough land for them to rely on for farming.
“South -Western Nzema doesn’t have enough lands and if the government takes 20000 acres, it means my people will not be able to farm for a living.”
Nana Awulae Kaku Ackah Ill admonished government to follow the right channel in matters related to acquisition of land.
“The government has not even approached me (the rightful owner of the land). They only went to a caretaker who is chief Awulae Annor Adjaye III to signed documents for the release of the land.
How can a caretaker chief release such a 20000 acres which is about 80000 plots to government for a petroleum hub
without my approval?”, he questioned.
“Annor Adjaye knows he is just a caretaker and that has no right or documents to release lands to anyone”, the overlord of the Awiaso-Nzema traditional area reiterated.
“I want development in my area therefore if President Nana Addo wants to establish the petroleum hub, I’m ready to release 5000 acres of the land for the project but I’ll never release the said 20000 acres to government”.
