A sub chief of Gomoa Fetteh known as Nana Kwesi Quansah also called Nana Ofosu was remanded into police custody by a court following his arrest in connection with land guard activities. A report by Starr FM indicates that the traditional leader is suspected of hiring armed individuals to intimidate residents and property developers in the Gomoa region. This arrest follows a series of complaints regarding the use of private militia to settle land disputes and seize property from legitimate owners.
The Ghana Police Service initiated the arrest as part of an ongoing crackdown on land guard operations within the Central Region. According to a GhanaWeb report police officials state that the suspect played a central role in coordinating the activities of these armed groups who often use violence to block construction projects. The report suggests that the suspect was picked up after intelligence linked him to several incidents occurring over recent months in the Gomoa East District.
During the court proceedings the prosecution requested more time to finalize investigations into the network of individuals involved in these illegal activities. A report from Citi Newsroom notes that the court denied bail for the sub chief to prevent any potential interference with witnesses or the ongoing investigation. The police have emphasized that they are pursuing other accomplices who flee the scene during recent operations aimed at dismantling land guard camps in Gomoa.
The prevalence of land guards remains a significant security challenge in Ghana despite the passage of the Land Act which criminalizes such activities. Officials from the Ghana Police Service have reiterated their commitment to prosecuting any individual regardless of their social standing who engages in the recruitment of unauthorized security personnel. This case has been adjourned to a later date for further hearing while the suspect remains in custody at a police facility.