August 30, 2025, the Coalition of Concerned Nzema People (CCNP) submitted a petition to the Western Nzema Traditional Council (WNTC), claiming that their chairlady and members have faced life-threatening intimidation. They are urging decisive action to protect land rights, promote unity, and ensure peace in Nzema. The petition, dated August 26, 2025, is directed to the WNTC President, Awulae Kwasi Amakyi III, who has recently taken over leadership. The CCNP reports that the latest incident took place on Saturday, August 23, 2025, coinciding with the abdication of Awulae Annor Adjaye III and the enstoolment of Awulae Kwasi Amakyi III. They allege that members of the Ndwea Royal Family of Benyinli sent insults and threats to CCNP Chairlady Madam Alluah Vaah through WhatsApp, using the phone and account of Abusua Kpanyili Arvo Tanoe. The CCNP views this behavior as a breach of Nzema customs and a serious attack on the dignity and safety of their leadership and members. The petition characterizes the events of August as part of an ongoing pattern of intimidation.
The CCNP references a warning from August 19, 2024, attributed to the former paramount chief regarding the exile of individuals who questioned the proposed Petroleum Hub. Additionally, there is a threat from August 12, 2024, now part of ongoing court proceedings, allegedly made by Wayo Whajah, stating he would behead the CCNP chairlady if she entered Jomoro. The coalition claims these incidents are “deliberately orchestrated” to intimidate citizens and suppress dissent.
The CCNP emphasizes that beyond the safety issues, the ongoing dispute fundamentally challenges the traditional concepts of land ownership in Nzema. They argue that efforts to redefine family lands as stool lands, without obtaining Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), violate both cultural practices and legal standards. The petition references several legal frameworks, including Articles 15, 3(4), and 36(8) of the 1992 Constitution, the Land Act of 2020 (Act 1036), and Section 74 of the Criminal Offences Act of 1960 (Act 29), which addresses threats of death or serious harm.
The coalition has put forward a five-point request to the Council, urging them to: (1) publicly denounce the alleged threats; (2) initiate a transparent investigation, secure an apology from Abusua Kpanyili Arvo Tanoe, and identify any accomplices; (3) ensure the safety of CCNP members, particularly women leaders; (4) reaffirm the importance of family-based land ownership and reject any conversions to stool property without Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC); and (5) encourage ongoing dialogue among WNTC, CCNP, and other stakeholders to foster peace and development
The petition was signed by Engr. Surv. Ndede Kojo Isaac (CPMC), who is the President of CCNP. It was directed to the President of the Western Nzema Traditional Council (WNTC) in Benyinli, located in the Jomoro Municipality. Additionally, it was copied to several important figures, including the President of the Nzema Maanle Traditional Council, Asiamah; the Municipal Chief Executive of Jomoro Municipality; the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs; the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources; the Western Regional Minister (WRCC) in Sekondi; the Western Regional House of Chiefs in Sekondi; the Regional Commander of the Ghana Police Service for the Western Region; the District Commander of the Ghana Police Service in Half Assini; the National House of Chiefs in Accra; and Tumivole Kaku Aka III of the Nzema Kɔtɔkɔ Kingdom in Awiaso.
The petition emphasizes that CCNP is dedicated to maintaining peace and open dialogue, but it will “utilize every lawful means” to oppose any illegal seizure of ancestral lands or intimidation of its members. It expresses confidence that with the current traditional leadership, “justice will prevail” and Nzema “will remain united and strong.”
By Nzematoday TV
