The Agbawe families of Oyarifa in the Greater Accra Region have reaffirmed their legitimate claim to the Modern Dairy Farmlands, despite challenges from neighboring communities such as Danfa, Kweiman, and Amrahia.

The Oyarifa family insists that any suggestion denying their ownership of the Dairy Farmlands is unfounded, as official documentation fully supports their claim.

In an exclusive interview with journalists, Mr Enoch Quaye, representative of the lawful Attorney Holder, Mrs Rose Hamilton of the Agbawe Family of Oyarifa, described recent media reports suggesting that the Oyarifa people have no rights to the lands as inaccurate and misleading.

According to Mr Quaye, the Agbawe Family of Oyarifa was added to the land plan after securing a court-approved extension of time.

“Before we were added to the proprietary plan of the Kweiman and Amrahia Dairy Farms by the Lands Commission, our lawyers submitted a formal claim on behalf of the family. We also submitted our map to demonstrate that we were part of the said land,” he explained.

“It was discovered that we were entitled to 760.1 acres, LDV No. 606, but we were allocated only 130.5 acres.”

Mr Quaye further revealed that the Lands Commission, acting on behalf of the government, facilitated the return of part of the Modern Dairy Farmland to the Agbawe Family of Oyarifa.

He recounted a meeting on November 25, 2020, with the then Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Kwaku Asomah-Cheremeh, during which 40% of the land was granted to the Agbawe Family of Oyarifa.

According to him, claims to the Modern Dairy Farmlands were contested not only by the people of Oyarifa, but also by residents of Amanfrom and Boteyman. However, the Agbawe Family of Oyarifa prevailed due to the strength of their legal documentation.

He emphasized that their claim is supported by valid legal documents and cautioned individuals against attempts to incite conflict in the area.

A petition has also been submitted to the National Security and the Inspector General of Police regarding the activities of individuals allegedly working to disrupt peace in the community.

Addressing the demolition incident on May 29, 2025, Mr Quaye clarified that it stemmed from a misunderstanding among family members, which inadvertently affected some residents. He assured that steps are being taken to resolve any resulting issues.

He further revealed that Kweiman, Amrahia, and Danfa filed a court injunction against the Agbawe family and the Lands Commission over the land. However, the case was ruled in favor of the Agbawe Family, prompting the Kweiman chief to file a discontinuation of the suit.

Mr Quaye reiterated that while the land measured 760.81 acres on the Lands Commission plan, only 130.05 acres were allocated to the Agbawe Family of Oyarifa, which they accepted.

He also addressed claims by Prince Mensah Sowah, who purports to hold power of attorney from the La Agbawe Mantse. Mr Quaye urged the public to disregard these claims, stating that the current Mantse, Miyemliniaba Nii Adjei Asua Oweeni II, renewed their existing power of attorney following the death of his predecessor, Nii Adjei Kpobi Asaawa, in April 2020.

He questioned the legitimacy of a new power of attorney allegedly issued in 2023 when the existing one remains valid and has not been revoked.

Mr Quaye concluded by affirming that he remains the official representative engaging with the government on behalf of the Agbawe Family of Oyarifa concerning the Modern Dairy Farmlands.