The Paramount Chief of the Gbese Traditional Area, Nii Ayi-Bonte II, has issued a passionate plea to President John Dramani Mahama, urging the government to return vast tracts of Ga lands originally acquired by the British colonial administration.

He asserts that these lands rightfully belong to the Ga State.

According to a report by the ghanaiantimes.com.gh on June 16, 2025, the Paramount Chief made the call during the climax of the event to lift the ban on drumming and dancing on June 12, 2025, in Accra.

Addressing attendees at the ‘Odadao’ ritual at the event, Nii Ayi-Bonte II highlighted the profound impact of the historical land seizures.

He argued that the restoration of these ancestral territories is crucial for ‘building a new economy for the people of Accra.’

Furthermore, the Chief reminded President Mahama of his 2024 election campaign promise to return all state-acquired lands to their legitimate owners, framing the current appeal as an opportunity to honour that commitment.

"The acquisition of our lands by the Colonial Administration as far back as 1875 has impoverished us," he lamented.

Also, he said that the lands for other economic activities such as farming have been lost.

"All our lands for other economic activities such as farming have been lost to us. Today, people are disposing off our lands with careless abandonment, and when they are confronted, all you hear is 'government land…government land'," he decried.

His remarks underscore the ongoing frustration and perceived injustice faced by the Ga people regarding their land rights.

MRA/VPO

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