Nene Teye Akplehe Adjumani IV, Chief of Adjumanikorpe in the Ada Traditional Area, has accused Mr Lawrence Kartey Ngunekpeku, Presiding Member of the Ada West District Assembly, of allegedly engaging land guards in the dispute over the Songor Lagoon.
The chief alleged that the Presiding Member made statements at a meeting concerning proceeds from a community salt pan, during discussions on how the funds should be shared or used.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Nene Adjumani said Mr Ngunekpeku disclosed at the meeting that he led a group to engaged land guards on several occasions to assist in their efforts to take control of the disputed lagoon area from Electrochem Ghana Limited (EGL).
“I was there when he made the statements and said that they engaged the land guards and spent over GH¢100,000, of which they paid GH¢60,000, as he was demanding the remaining balance. I challenge him to deny it,” he said.
Nene Adjumani said there had been persistent allegations and speculation about the involvement of land guards in the dispute, although some community members and persons suspected of involvement had repeatedly denied the claims.
He described the alleged admission as disturbing and urged that the matter not be treated lightly.
When contacted by the GNA, Mr Ngunekpeku initially denied the allegation but later clarified that he had referred to “helpers” rather than land guards.
He said community leaders sometimes had to seek additional assistance in addressing issues affecting their communities.
Mr Ngunekpeku said such efforts were intended to mobilise more people to support the community.
GNA