Tema-Nungua dispute: Peace Council calls for institutional intervention to prevent escalation

The Greater Accra Regional Peace Council has urged the traditional authorities of Tema and Nungua to use appropriate institutional channels to resolve their ongoing dispute over the ownership of land and the Meridian Rock.

The Council said disagreements between the two traditional areas must be addressed through constructive engagement and consensus-building rather than actions that could threaten peace and security in the region.

In a statement issued on November 4, 2026, the Council said it had observed the ongoing boundary dispute “with deep concern” and warned that tensions between the communities could undermine peace if not properly managed.

“The Greater Accra Regional Peace Council (GARPC) has observed with deep concern the ongoing boundary dispute between the chiefs and people of the Tema and Nungua traditional areas over the ownership of the land and The Meridian Rock,” the statement said.

It also expressed concern about exchanges between young people from the two communities on social media, warning that the situation could further heighten tensions.

“The GARPC is more concerned about the escalating media war among the youth from traditional areas on social media, which is increasing tensions and threatening peace and security in the region,” it stated.

Against this backdrop, the Council urged both traditional areas to exercise restraint and remain calm while working towards an amicable settlement.

“The Peace Council would like to urge both parties to exercise restraint and remain calm while working towards an amicable resolution of the dispute,” the statement added.

The Council stressed the need for dialogue, negotiations and reconciliation, calling on stakeholders to support efforts to secure a lasting resolution.

“The Council wishes to reaffirm its commitment to promoting dialogue, negotiations and reconciliation, and call on all stakeholders to support efforts towards finding a lasting resolution.”

It further urged the feuding parties to engage one another openly and respectfully, emphasising that their shared interests should take precedence over their differences.

“The Council also wishes to state that it is very important for the feuding parties to sit at ‘the dialogue table’ to discuss all concerns with openness, mutual understanding and respect.”

“It recognises the fact that there are more things that unite chiefs and people of both communities than divide them,” it added.

The Peace Council maintained that the disagreement should be handled through established institutions to facilitate constructive engagement and help the parties reach an acceptable outcome.

“The Council therefore advises that disagreements should be addressed through the appropriate institutions to facilitate constructive engagement and build consensus for mutually acceptable outcomes.”

It also cautioned traditional leaders and social media users against creating platforms that could worsen the situation.

“The Peace Council finally urges both traditional and social media to avoid creating any platforms that may escalate tensions in both traditional areas,” the statement said.

The statement was signed by the Council’s Greater Accra Regional Chairman, Rt. Rev. Samuel Kofi Osabutey.

The Tema-Nungua disagreement comes against the backdrop of longstanding historical and land-related sensitivities in the Greater Accra Region.

The development of modern Tema dates back to the early 1950s, when the government acquired approximately 63 square miles of land from the traditional authorities of Tema, Nungua and Kpone for the development of the port and industrial city.

The acquisition and subsequent relocation of the original Tema settlement have remained important parts of the area’s land and cultural history.

The Meridian site, in particular, has been described as the location of the original Tema settlement before residents were relocated to Tema Manhean.

In January 2026, youth from Tema Manhean protested against the redevelopment of the former Meridian Hotel site, arguing that the land held significant ancestral and cultural value.

The Tema Development Corporation also engaged the Tema Traditional Council and the Tema Youth Association over concerns about redevelopment activities at the site, with discussions focusing on cultural preservation and the need for an amicable resolution.