Major security operation at Rice city a suburb of Afienya-Mataheko in the Kpone-Katamanso Municipality has led to the arrest of more than 20 persons, including individuals who allegedly claimed to be National Security operatives, for reportedly providing security during an eviction and demolition exercise linked to a protracted land dispute in the area.
The operation, which took place on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, was carried out by a joint team of personnel from the Police Intelligence Directorate (PID) and the National Security apparatus following petitions from affected residents over alleged unlawful demolitions, evictions and the collection of monies in connection with land regularisation.
The operation reportedly triggered a dramatic scene at the disputed site, with several suspected land guards and persons claiming to be security operatives allegedly fleeing when the security team arrived.
Sources familiar with Tuesday’s operation said the joint security team met several persons at the location who were allegedly providing security for the ongoing activities.
Upon sighting the team, several of the individuals reportedly attempted to escape, leading to a chase and subsequent arrests.
Some of the over 20 persons apprehended allegedly claimed to be National Security operatives, while others reportedly maintained that they had been engaged as private security personnel to protect construction workers constructing a fence wall on one of the disputed properties.
The latest operation follows a series of complaints and petitions from residents of Afienya-Mataheko who have accused the Ayiku-Gberbie Family of Prampram, allegedly led in the current operations by a man known as Nana Oppong, of using a Supreme Court judgment as the basis for demolishing properties and demanding substantial sums of money from affected property owners.
The residents have also accused elements within the Afienya District Police Command and the Tema Regional Police Command of allegedly providing security support for the demolition and eviction exercises.
The residents maintain that the court judgment being relied upon by the family does not authorise the wholesale demolition of properties across Afienya and its adjoining communities.
The development has consequently raised questions about the circumstances under which private individuals involved in a disputed land matter have allegedly been able to mobilise armed security personnel for demolition and eviction exercises.
The latest development is connected to a long-running land dispute involving the Ayiku-Gberbie Family and Mr Edusei-Poku.
The Supreme Court, in a judgment dated December 18, 2024, affirmed the Court of Appeal’s judgment in favour of the plaintiff concerning land at Afienya/Mataheko.
However, the judgment itself does not contain an order authorising a blanket demolition exercise across every developed property in Afienya-Mataheko or directing property owners to pay a GH¢100,000 regularization fee.
The Supreme Court record also distinguishes between the larger parcel described in the family’s claim and the 5.66-acre portion that was specifically at the centre of the dispute with Edusei-Poku.
Attempts to get a response from the Tema regional police command on the matter has proven futile. The police are yet to issue an official statement in