By P.K. Yankey
Nkroful (W/R), April 28, GNA – The Coalition of Concerned Nzema People (CCNP) has petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to intervene in what it describes as serious irregularities in the implementation of the US$60 billion Petroleum Hub Development Project in the Jomoro Municipality.
In a petition signed by its President, Mr Isaac Ndede, and copied to the media, the coalition expressed concern about what it said was a misrepresentation of a key presidential directive on the size of land to be acquired for the commencement of the project in the Domunli enclave.
The coalition said the President had directed that land acquisition for the initial phase of the project be limited to 5,000 acres, a decision that was widely welcomed by affected communities.
However, it alleged that some officials associated with the project were conducting stakeholder engagements based on a land size of 5,000 hectares—equivalent to about 12,360 acres—which significantly exceeded the approved limit.
According to the petition, this interpretation contradicts the President’s directive and poses the risk of extending the project beyond the approved land size without proper authorisation.
The CCNP said it was in possession of official correspondence confirming that the approved land size remained 5,000 acres and therefore called for a clear restatement of the directive to eliminate any ambiguity.
The group also raised concerns about the exclusion of recognised allodial landowners from current consultation processes.
It said families, clan heads, petitioners and youth groups whose earlier concerns had prompted presidential intervention were not being meaningfully engaged, adding that consultations had largely been limited to a narrower group.
The coalition noted that in some instances, the positions of selected traditional leaders appeared to override those of families and clans holding allodial title to lands in the Nzema area.
It stressed that ownership interests in the affected lands were currently being contested by rightful landowning families, a development it said undermined fairness, transparency and the overall legitimacy of the engagement process.
The CCNP further recalled that a review committee, directed by the Office of the President to address stakeholder concerns, was discontinued midway through its formation, resulting in what it described as an unstructured and selective consultation process.
Citing constitutional and legal provisions, the coalition emphasised that compulsory land acquisition must follow due process, including proper consultation with affected and recognised allodial landowners.
While acknowledging the President’s earlier responsiveness to community concerns, the group called for immediate steps to restore clarity and confidence in the process.
These include a reaffirmation that the approved land size remains 5,000 acres, strict compliance by all relevant agencies, inclusive engagement with recognised allodial landowners, reconstitution of the review committee with a clear mandate and timeline, and a comprehensive review of the entire process to ensure adherence to constitutional and statutory requirements.
The coalition maintained that it was not opposed to development but was committed to ensuring that the project was implemented fairly, transparently and in accordance with the law.
“As the nation watches, rightful landowning families and ordinary Ghanaians must be treated fairly in matters of this nature,” the petition added.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga/Lydia Kukua Asamoah