Tension still mounts over the disputed Kokote school land

Offinso (Ash), June 19, GNA - Tension is mounting again among the youth of Kokote, Abuasu and Dome over the disputed Kokote school land despite intervention by the Offinso District Security Council (DISEC). The youth of the three communities vowed to resist any attempt by the private estate developer to develop the land at an emergency meeting held at Kokote on Sunday.

The case of the disputed land is pending before the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, following a petition submitted to him by the youth about two months ago.

The DISEC intervened thrice to avert violence and chaos by ordering the parties involved to exercise restraint while the Asantehene resolved the case.

Briefing newsmen after the meeting Nana Adjin Frimpong, Krontihene of Kokote, expressed surprise about the attitude of the private estate developer, Mr Kwabena Boateng, for defying the orders of the DISEC to continue to put up a residential building on the land. He said the parties were advised by the DISEC to temporarily stop any activities on the land until the Asantehene disposed of the case.

Nana Adjin Frimpong accused the estate developer of flouting the agreement with the DISEC and said, "his behaviour is seriously causing tension among the youth in the area". He appealed to the youth to exercise restraint and strictly abide by the directives of the DISEC to maintain peace and stability in the area.

When contacted Mr Collins Augustine Ntim, the Offinso District Chief Executive, said the issue was before the traditional authorities and therefore could not to comment. 19 June 07