A Circuit Court judge has warned landowners against the double sale of land, warning that they will face punishment if caught.

Jephthah Appau, the Presiding Judge of the Kwadaso Circuit Court in the Kwadaso Municipality of the Ashanti Region, issued the warning, stating that the act is not only detrimental to buyers but also creates tension and confusion in society, as well as negative impressions about traditional leaders.

Appau made the warning while sitting as a relieving judge at the Abuakwa Circuit Court in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality. The case involved Oheneyere Nana Ama Takyiwaa, a 51-year-old trader, who appeared before him on charges related to the double sale of land.

He pointed out that he had already issued the same warning in his court at Kwadaso. He emphasized that those charged with such offenses should be denied bail and placed in lawful custody.

Appau explained that some individuals with close ties to traditional rulers often took chieftaincy titles upon themselves and sold portions of land to multiple buyers without the consent of the chiefs. These individuals would then go into hiding, leaving the problems for the chiefs in the affected areas to resolve. This situation, he noted, caused public attacks and criticism of traditional authorities, which must be stopped.

He further stated that once a piece of land is sold, the seller no longer owns it, and selling it again is considered theft.

Appau urged public awareness of the warning and stressed the importance of halting such illegal activities.

Oheneyere Nana Ama Takyiwaa pleaded not guilty to the charge of granting conflicting land titles to two individuals and was granted bail in the amount of GH¢3,000.00 with two sureties to be justified. She will reappear in court on May 2 of this year.

Police Chief Inspector Evans Ayimbisah explained to the court that Oheneyere Takyiwaa sold a piece of land to one Baafour Owusu Ansah for GH¢25,000.00 in 2010, and later sold the same land to Frank Agyei in 2019, at Adwafo near Abuakwa.