Fresh tensions are brewing in the Greater Accra and Eastern regional boundary corridor following strong opposition by the youth of the Shai Traditional Area to a proposed visit by the Paramount Chief of Akuapem, Oseadeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, to Dodowa, amid an escalating traditional dispute over land ownership and territorial boundaries.
At a press conference held on August 5, 2026, the Shai youth called for the immediate cancellation of the planned royal visit, arguing that the visit comes at a time when traditional ownership of parts of Lower Dodowa remains the subject of unresolved disputes.
According to the youth, allowing the visit to proceed under the current circumstances could inflame tensions and undermine ongoing efforts to preserve peace in the area.
They therefore appealed directly to the Okuapehene to decline the invitation in the interest of maintaining harmony among the affected traditional areas.
The group also called on the organisers of the event, which is expected to be held at the Old Ghana Park in Dodowa, to cancel the programme altogether.
In addition, they petitioned the Minister for the Interior, the National Security Council, the Inspector-General of Police, the Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and other state security agencies to intervene proactively to prevent any possible disturbance of the peace.
Despite their opposition to the proposed visit, the Shai youth urged residents of the traditional area to remain calm, avoid violence and allow the matter to be addressed through established legal and customary dispute resolution mechanisms.
Responding to the growing public concern, the Dodowa Divisional Police Commander, ACP Innocent Kwaku Amemo, assured residents that the police was closely monitoring developments.
According to him, preliminary examination of the notification submitted by the organisers revealed that they had not fully complied with the legal requirements governing the organisation of public events.
He disclosed that the organisers have consequently been advised to rectify the outstanding issues before any further consideration of the proposed programme.
ACP Amemo appealed to all parties to exercise restraint, assuring the public that the Police, working together with the Regional Police Command and other stakeholders, remain committed to ensuring law and order in Dodowa.
The latest development comes against the backdrop of renewed disagreements over traditional boundaries involving communities situated along the Greater Accra-Eastern regional corridor.
In a separate statement circulating within the Akuapem Traditional Area, traditional leaders reiterated that the protection of historical boundaries remains a matter of heritage, identity and customary history.
The statement rejected claims that communities including Chwinto, Adusa, Larteiman, Ankwa Dobro, Deideiman, Nsumia and Papase fall under the Ga State, insisting instead that these settlements form part of the Adonten Division of the Akuapem Traditional Area.
It further argued that the mere occupation of land by another community does not automatically establish traditional ownership and called on leaders across the Akuapem Traditional Area to remain vigilant in safeguarding customary boundaries, while raising similar concerns regarding the Nifa and Benkum divisions.
Meanwhile, conflicting reports have emerged regarding an incident at Chwinto.
Initial reports circulated on social media by Akuapem TV Ghana alleged that associates of the Ga Mantse had attacked Akuapem Chwinto, prompting a police response.
However, other local media reports have presented a different account of the incident.
According to those reports, a delegation from the Office of the Ga Mantse, including Ga Asafoiatse Nukpa Tetteh Okudzietuo, had travelled to Papaase to invite Ga communities in the Eastern Region to participate in this year’s Homowo Festival.
Those reports allege that the delegation was instead confronted and attacked by some youth from Chwinto and temporarily prevented from continuing its activities.
As of the time of filing this report, the circumstances surrounding the alleged confrontation remain disputed, with differing narratives emerging from the parties involved.
The Ghana Police Service has not publicly issued a detailed account determining responsibility for the incident, and the allegations circulating on social media remain unverified.
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