Committee set up to investigate Vakpo-Dunyo land conflict

Ho, Aug.09, GNA - The Volta Regional Co-ordinating Council (VRCC) has set up a five-member committee to investigate and make recommendations to resolve the Vakpo-Dunyo land conflict. The terms of reference of the committee, under the chairmanship of Mr Justice Kwame Adjabeng, a retired Supreme Court Judge include clarifying the legal instrument for the acquisition of the land in dispute.

It would in addition, determine whether compensation was paid in respect of the land, the social relationship between the chiefs and people of Vakpo and Dunyo and whether or not Dunyo community is independent of Vakpo.

The committee would also investigate the death of one Alphonse Dzeble, within the disputed area last June.

It is expected to submit its report within three months. Other members of the committee are, Professor Clement Dorm Adzobu, an Environmentalist; Mrs Felicia Otchere-Darko, Chief State Attorney; Mr Abraham Klobodu, Volta Regional Security Co-ordinator and Mr Emmanuel Ofori-Dankwa, a representative of Volta River Authority (VRA). Mr Kofi Dzamesi, Volta Regional Minister inaugurating the committee at Ho on Tuesday, said conflicts retarded socio-economic development therefore; efforts should be made to eliminate them.

He expressed appreciation for the relative peace prevailing within some conflict prone areas in the Volta Region, and attributed it to "Collaboration and support of some prominent citizens of the region who served on committees established to help solve such conflicts." Mr Justice Adjabeng assured the people that the committee would endeavour to come out with recommendations that would promote peace in the area.

Mr Emmanuel Martey, an official of the Estate Department of VRA, said the source of conflict in the resettlement area was extension of authority by the land owners over the settlers. The conflict is between the people of Vakpo and neighbouring settler communities of Vakpo-Dunyo over allegiance and ownership of land.