Wednesday, 25 December

New Ghana Social Justice Forum condemns Bel-Aqua over alleged illegal land seizure

General News
Yahaya Alhassan addressing the press

The President of the New Ghana Social Justice Forum, Yahaya Alhassan, has issued a stern warning to Ghanaian celebrities, urging them to sever ties with Bel-Aqua, a brand under the Blowplast Group of Companies.

He accused the company of unlawfully acquiring land belonging to the Akumajay family, the rightful allodial owners of lands in contention.

In a statement, Mr. Alhassan highlighted the alleged seizure of land at Abossey Okai-Japan Motors, which the Blowplast Group reportedly took over in contravention of Section 2 of Act 1036 of the Ghanaian Constitution, governing allodial ownership.

“The Supreme Court has ruled that lands leased for specific purposes must revert to their original owners if not used as intended,” he said, adding that the actions of the company undermine Ghana’s cultural heritage and disenfranchise the Ga community.

The Forum accused several Ghanaian celebrities of aiding and abetting the alleged unlawful seizure by participating in Bel-Aqua’s events or endorsing the brand.

Among those named were musicians Camidoh, Cina Soul, and media personality Kafui Dey, who attended Bel-Aqua’s "Healing Together Vigil 2.0" concert on October 31, 2024.

Mr. Alhassan announced that the Forum would advocate for diplomatic actions, such as visa sanctions, against celebrities who continue their affiliation with Bel-Aqua.

The New Ghana Social Justice Forum also called on the public to boycott Bel-Aqua products and other offerings from the Blowplast Group until the disputed land is returned to the Akumajay family.

The Forum plans to write to state institutions and organizations, urging them to terminate business dealings with the company.

Mr. Alhassan stressed the importance of protecting Ga lands as part of Ghana’s cultural identity and condemned the actions of foreign-owned companies like Blowplast for exploiting local communities.

He expressed optimism in President-elect John Dramani Mahama’s manifesto pledge to improve transparency in land acquisition processes and ensure the redistribution of lands to marginalized Ga communities.

“We will intensify efforts to reclaim stolen lands and safeguard the rights of vulnerable groups. Ghana’s lands must remain under the control of its people,” Mr. Alhassan declared.

The Forum vowed to continue its advocacy to protect Ghanaian lands and ensure that the rights of Indigenous families and communities are upheld.

Source: Classfmonline.com/Cecil Mensah