“Your petition lacks evidence” – Nana Addo to Western Nzema Chiefs
His Excellency, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has responded to the petition submitted by the Western Nzema Traditional Council.
According to the release signed by the Executive Secretary to the President, Nana Bediatuo Asante, dated August 16, 2024, it was stated that the submitted petition on the 20,000 acres of land issue has no evidence; therefore, H.E Nana Addo will undertake the sod-cutting exercise.
‘The petition had no evidence attached to substantiate the claims made, except 83 pages of a list of alleged signatories. The President also received a letter dated 16th August 2024 from the Western Nzema Traditional Council, under the hand of its President, Awulae Annor Adjaye III, containing a comprehensive response to the matters raised in your petition.”
“The response from the Western Nzema Traditional Council denies the assertions in your petition and encourages the President to proceed with the sod-cutting ceremony on Monday, 19th August, 2024 as the Petroleum Hub project is for the benefit of the people of Western Nzema.”
Further, it was stated that Office reviewed all the documentation in respect of the Petroleum Hub project including interlocutory injunction ruling given by the High Court where it was confirmed that the Petroleum Hub project should proceed.
“In addition to that, this Office has had the opportunity to review all the documentation in respect of the Petroleum Hub project including the interlocutory injunction ruling given by the High Court, Sekondi on 22nd November, 2021, confirming that the Petroleum Hub project should proceed. It is also noted that the 20,000 acres of land for the Petroleum Hub project is the subject of compulsory acquisition by the State in accordance with the Constitution and the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036).”
Stating emphatically, the Office of the President added that it is “palpably false” to state that the land 20,000 acres of land is being registered in the name of Awulae Annor Adjaye III.
“All processes for compulsory acquisition under the law have been complied with thus far, including extensive stakeholder consultations. It is, thus, palpably false to state that the land in question is being registered in the name of Awulae Annor Adjaye III.”
In conclusion, the letter added without mincing words that Nana Addo will undertake the sod-cutting, as scheduled, for the commencement of the Petroleum Hub Project because it will benefit the country and the people of Nzema.
“In light of the above, your petition is accordingly dismissed. The President of the Republic will undertake the sod-cutting, as scheduled, for the commencement of the Petroleum Hub Project for the benefit of the country.
