Chiefs and residents of Nima have appealed to the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, to take swift and decisive action to prevent a potentially disastrous unrest in their community. At a press conference in Nima today, Alhaji Abubakar Garba Osuman expressed the community’s deep concern over the Odoi Kwao family and their accomplices’ plans to organize a ritual in Nima, which directly violates a High Court ruling.
He explained that the Paramount Chief of Nima, Nii Futa, had previously brought the matter before the High Court, seeking an interlocutory injunction and that the Court has yet to address the substantive case. However, he pointed out that the court, in its ruling, had issued a warning to the Odoi Kwao family. Quoting the court’s statement, he said, “The Court also draws the attention of the Council for the Defendant to the fact that his client may be liable for contempt if he and others engage in any customary rites in respect of the subject-land, as there is a pending application for interlocutory injunction that is yet to be heard about determined”.
Alhaji Osuman further disclosed that a subsequent meeting was convened by the Greater Accra Regional Commander, attended by the Nima Divisional Police Commander and representatives from both the Nii Futa and Odoi Kwao families. At this meeting, Robert Koomson was strongly advised by the police to comply with the court’s ruling and refrain from organizing any customary rites.
Despite this warning, Alhaji Osuman noted with concern that Robert Koomson remains undeterred and has indicated his intention to proceed with the ritual, even at the risk of facing legal consequences. In a bid to prevent any potential clashes, the chiefs and people of Nima are appealing for the IGP’s swift intervention.
“We want to put on record that in January of this year, the Ayawaso Council of Zongo chiefs addressed a letter to you regarding this very issue .
We therefore anticipate your intercession in this critical matter, especially, when the country is leading for the polls,” he added. Alhaji Osuman emphasized that it is their firm belief that Nima should not become a battleground over land disputes. He stressed that such disputes should be resolved at the appropriate forum, which is the court, without threatening the peaceful atmosphere of the community.
