The land has an owner, don’t reconstruct illegal structures on Kantamanto lands – Gbese Stool warns

Accra, Ghana - 04 Jan, 2025 - A warning has been issued by the Gbese Stool, led by Paramount Chief Nii Ayi Bonte II, against the construction of wooden structures on the disputed Katamanto lands. The stool reaffirmed its claim to the land, emphasizing that it does not belong to the government.

In a press conference, Chief Nii Ayi Bonte II expressed sympathy for the victims of the recent fire outbreak that ravaged the Kantamanto Market, leaving traders in despair. However, he firmly stated that unauthorized rebuilding activities would not be tolerated.

To enforce compliance, the Gbese Stool has established a task force to oversee the removal of unapproved structures from the land. The stool plans to collaborate with investors to develop the land, maximizing its potential and utility, starting from April.

Chief Nii Ayi Bonte II emphasized, “The land has an owner, so no one should take the law into their hands and build any wooden structures. We will not accept this attitude again. That is why we are having this press conference to inform everyone that we are bringing in investors from April to change the place.

“We are cautioning anyone who has put up any structures without our permission to pull them down because we will be sending a task force to the grounds to ensure no one puts up any illegal structures,” he added.

The Kantamanto Market fire, which occurred on January 2, 2025, reduced the vibrant marketplace to ashes, leaving traders to count their losses.