Clemence Gyato, the government-appointed consultant in charge of reclaiming encroached state lands, has issued a stern warning to individuals illegally occupying lands around the Akosombo Dam.

He declared that all unauthorized structures along the riverbanks would be demolished, regardless of how long they have stood.

Speaking at the 4th Akwasidae celebration held at the Bogyawe Palace in Akwamufie, Gyato stressed the urgency of protecting the integrity of the dam and surrounding lands.

“The government tasked me since 2012 to take care of government lands that have been encroached,” Gyato said.

“Recently, the Minister of Lands informed me about illegal developments near the water body. When I came to assess the situation, the chief also confirmed it and pledged his full support to stop these activities.”

Gyato emphasized that any structure found to be built unlawfully, no matter how established, will be pulled down.

“If you take the land in the wrong way and build around the river, we will demolish it regardless of the length of the building, so far as it belongs to the government,” he warned.

To enforce this directive, Gyato announced plans to establish a permanent government presence in the area.

“We will build a camp in this vicinity and make sure we recce around the place,” he said.

The event also featured a passionate call from Nana Akonnor Bekai Ababio V, Chief Administrator and second-in-command of the Akwamu State, who raised long-standing concerns over lands taken by the government during the construction of the Akosombo Dam.

Nana Bekai, who also serves as Ayokohene and Guantoahene of Akwamu, reminded the gathering that the Akwamu people originally gave the land for the dam’s construction, but never received compensation.

“Akwamu people are the ones who gave the government the land to build the Akosombo Dam,” he said.

“For protection, the government took additional lands, but the dam project has long been completed. Yet, people are now encroaching on those lands.”

He also dismissed media reports suggesting that the Akwamu people were opposed to Gyato’s efforts.

“We have never said that. In fact, we support the work that the government has tasked Clemence Gyato with,” he clarified.

According to Nana Bekai, the lands belong to the stools and must be returned to the allodial owners.

“If the government didn’t exhaust all the lands taken for the dam, the rest must be returned to the chiefs,” he insisted.

He also urged the government to fulfill its obligation by paying overdue compensation and investing in infrastructure in Akwamuman and the Asuogyaman District.

The ceremony, held under the leadership of Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III, Omanhene of Akwamu, was attended by Thomas Ampem Nyarko, MP for Asuogyaman and Deputy Minister of Finance, and Abigail Elorm Akwambea, CEO of MASLOC.