Residents and Chiefs of Senya Bereku in the Central region found themselves in a clash with military officers from the Ghana Armed Forces due to an ongoing land dispute.
According to reports, there is a longstanding disagreement between the Gomoa Fetteh Traditional Council and the Senya Bereku Traditional Council concerning hundred acres of land. The Gomoa Fetteh Traditional Council plans to allocate this land to the military, leading the Senya Traditional Council to take action.
In an attempt to prevent the land from being officially handed over to the military, members of the Senya Traditional Council besieged the designated area, obstructing the ceremony and issuing threats of unrest if the Gomoa Fetteh authorities proceeded with the transfer.
Nai Kwaku Kormittey, the Acting Chief of Senya Bereku, has stated unequivocally that they will oppose any effort to transfer their land to the military.
“The Fetteh people approached us and we spoke to them about the said piece of land. We informed our lawyers about the move for advice but before we realized the military had entered the piece of land working. We heard that they were coming here to perform an official ceremony to hand over the land to their officer so we besieged the land.”
Nai Kwaku Kormittey
Furthermore, the Chief portioned the President to intervene.
“We want to tell the President of the State to look into the matter. An estate developer gave them a piece of land close to our land but they have sold it and are now trying to approach our land. We won’t agree”.
Nai Kwaku Kormittey
Military and Citizens Clashes Between; A Threat to Peace and Stability
In recent times, Ghana has witnessed unsettling clashes between the military and its citizens, sparking concerns about the potential ramifications on the nation’s peace and stability. These incidents, occurring sporadically across different regions, have cast a shadow on the traditionally peaceful and stable image that Ghana has maintained in the West African region.
The clashes have taken various forms, from protests against perceived military excesses to confrontations arising from disputed land issues. One notable incident involved clashes between the military and residents in a community protesting against the construction of a military facility on what they claimed was ancestral land. Such conflicts underscore the need for a delicate balance between national security interests and the rights of citizens, raising questions about the appropriateness of military intervention in civil matters.
The consequences of these clashes extend beyond the immediate physical confrontations. There are growing concerns about the erosion of public trust in institutions meant to uphold the rule of law. As citizens witness confrontations between the military and civilians, it creates a perception of a militarized response to dissent, which can undermine the principles of democracy and civil liberties. Maintaining public trust in the institutions of governance is crucial for a stable and harmonious society.
Furthermore, these clashes have economic implications. Ghana’s stability and reputation as a peaceful nation have been instrumental in attracting foreign investment and fostering economic growth. The recent events may sow seeds of doubt among investors and businesses, potentially impacting the country’s economic prospects. Foreign direct investment often gravitates toward stable and secure environments, and any perception of internal strife can deter potential investors.
There is a pressing need for a review of policies and procedures governing military involvement in civil matters. Striking a balance between national security interests and respecting the rights of citizens is essential. Training and awareness programs for both military personnel and civilians can contribute to a better understanding of each other’s roles and responsibilities, mitigating the potential for confrontations.
With a focus on best practices of mediation and conflict resolution, initiatives must be streamlined to fit current issues, particularly on land administration.
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