Standing for Justice: A Declaration Against Unlawful Dispossession in Kumasi-Ghana
The very bedrock of a just society is the #rule of law, a principle sadly disregarded by the Kumasi Traditional Council.
Their blatant disregard for the rule of law, epitomized by the Asantehene's outrageous pronouncement of immunity from judicial review, is not merely an affront to Konadu's ancestral claim to the Boadi lands, it is an attack on the very foundation of Ghanaian democracy.
This land dispute is not just about Konadu Afia-Ofi, descendant (offspring) of King Osei Tutu I and Queen Huahi Tutuwaa. It is about the countless indigenous families whose lands, passed down through generations, hold the threads of their history, identity, and cultural heritage. To deny them the legal protection enshrined in the Land Act 1036 is not just a legal transgression, it is a cultural erasure.
The Council's attempt to rewrite history by ignoring the established lineage of King Osei Tutu I and Queen Huahi Tutuwaa is a desperate grasp for power cloaked in tradition. Their actions expose a truth far uglier than any fabricated narrative: a disregard for the rule of law and a willingness to trample on the rights of others for personal gain.
This cannot stand. We stand with Konadu Afia-Ofi and all those whose voices are silenced by the Council's arrogance. We demand that the Ghanaian government uphold the Land Act 1036 and defend the United Nations Declaration on Rights of Indigenous People.
Let us not allow the legacy of King Osei Tutu I, a defender of justice and tradition, to be tarnished by those who seek to exploit his name for their own ends.
The Council's actions, particularly the Asantehene's pronouncement of immunity from judicial review, represent a clear violation of international law principles, including the right to property and access to justice. This flagrant disregard for legal norms cannot be tolerated, as it sets a dangerous precedent not only in Ghana but across the globe.
Therefore, we urge the international community, particularly legal experts and judicial bodies, to:
1. Exercise international diplomacy:
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Engage in dialogue with the Ghanaian government and the Kumasi Traditional Council, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting indigenous land rights.
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Advocate for transparency in the judicial process surrounding the Boadi land dispute and ensure Konadu Afia-Ofi receives a fair and impartial hearing.
2. Hold the Asantehene accountable:
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Utilize international legal mechanisms to investigate and address potential violations of international law by the Asantehene.
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Encourage the Ghanaian government to uphold its responsibility to enforce the law and hold all individuals accountable, regardless of their position or title.
3. Support civil society efforts:
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Collaborate with local and international NGOs working to protect indigenous land rights and promote access to justice in Ghana.
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Amplify the voices of those affected by the Kumasi Traditional Council's actions and advocate for their right to be heard.
This is not just a fight for land, it is a fight for the soul of #Ghana or Let the #Boadi lands dispute be a turning point, a moment when we collectively reject the shadows of injustice and step into the light of a nation where the law applies equally to all, and where the legacy of the ancestors serves as a beacon of justice, not a tool of oppression.
