In response to growing tensions between residents of Mafi Tedfeafenu and foreign investor, Spring Agro-Industrial Limited, the Volta Regional Minister, Dr Archibald Yao Letsa has taken decisive action by establishing a committee to investigate the serious land issues at hand.
The dispute, which has been escalating in recent months, revolves around land ownership and usage rights in the Mafi Tedfeafenu area, where Spring Agro-Industrial Limited has expressed interest in acquiring land for agricultural purposes. However, this has sparked resistance and uproar among the residents who claim ancestral ownership and fear displacement from their homes and farmlands.
The newly formed committee, led by the Volta Regional Minister, comprises legal experts, community leaders, and other stakeholders. Its primary objective is to thoroughly examine the intricacies of the land dispute, gather evidence from all the parties involved, and propose equitable solutions that uphold the interests of both the local community and the investor.
Speaking on behalf of the Regional Minister, Dr Archibald Yao Letsa emphasized the government’s commitment to resolving the conflict fairly and transparently. “The establishment of this committee underscores our dedication to fostering harmony and sustainable development in the Volta Region,” he stated. “We recognize the importance of addressing grievances and ensuring that all voices are heard in the resolution process.”
The dispute has raised broader concerns about land governance and the rights of local communities in Ghana. Critics argue that the involvement of foreign investors in large-scale land acquisitions often marginalizes indigenous people and threatens their livelihoods. They have thus called for stricter regulations and greater community participation in decision-making processes related to land use and allocation.
Meanwhile, representatives of Spring Agro-Industrial Limited have expressed their willingness to cooperate with the committee and abide by its findings. As the committee begins its work, tensions remain high in Mafi Tedfeafenu, with residents anxiously awaiting a resolution to the protracted dispute. Many hope that the committee’s intervention will pave the way for peaceful coexistence and sustainable development in the region.
The Volta Regional Minister, Dr Archibald Yao Letsa has urged all parties to remain calm throughout the investigative process, assuring them that their concerns will be taken seriously and addressed comprehensively.
The committee is expected to submit its findings and recommendations within the coming months, offering a potential path forward in the quest for land justice and community empowerment. The Chief of Mafi Tedeafenu, Torgbe Owusu Gadzo IV at the meeting noted that the investors initially did not show interest in the land in question until it was being developed by residents when they decided to show interest adding that something should be done about the issue urgently.
The District Chief Executive for Central Tongu, Thomas Atsu Moore Zornyrah noted that he was not involved in the acquisition of the said land. A youth leader, Daniel Agbetum also said there was no issue or disturbance from the residents on the lands acquired by the investor from chiefs and elders except for the 114 acres which were already developed by one of the residents, and that they hope the committee will ensure that the right thing is done.
