Tension mounts over encroachment on school lands at Kotwi

Tension is mounting at Kotwi in the Atwima-Kwanwoma District over alleged attempts by the traditional authorities to seize a parcel of school land for estate development.

Nana Asafo Agyei Tooto, head of the community’s royal family (Abusuapanin), is reported to be doing everything to sell 7.8 acres of the D/A Basic School land to developers and this the youth have vowed to resist.

The assembly member, Mr. Gabriel Agyei told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that there was no way they would allow that to happen.

They had already chased-out seven people who had been allocated plots on the said land. The developers had cleared orchid trees on it and were about to commence construction works.

He warned prospective buyers to stay off the land in their own interest, adding that, “nobody should underestimate their determination to protect the property”.

He appealed to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, to bring Nana Tooto to order to prevent imminent bloodshed.

Mr. Agyei spoke of plans to hold a massive demonstration to send a powerful signal to all that they were really serious and would not tolerate the illegality.

The Head Teacher, Madam Helena Bainson, expressed surprise at the conduct of Nana Tooto.

She showed to the GNA documents from the Survey Department, Lands Commission and the Asantehene’s Lands Secretariat, proving that the land was indeed the property of the school.

When contacted, Nana Tooto said in the interest of peace, he was shelving plans to sell the land in question.

Mr. Tony Nyame, the District Chief Executive (DCE), appealed to the Abusuapanin not to do anything to threaten the peace in the community.