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Pantang land dispute: Residents, Trasacco clash over ownership

There was tension at Pantang in the Adentan Municipality after residents accused real estate developer Trasacco of attempting to seize a disputed parcel of land with the support of armed soldiers.

According to a petition filed by landowner Philip Okpoti Nai, Trasacco allegedly brought excavators and troops from the 5th Battalion of Infantry (5BN) to take control of his property.

Police officers from the Greater Accra Regional Command, led by DCOP Duti Tuaruka, moved to the site after receiving the complaint and arrested some of the workers operating on the land. However, a standoff occurred when the soldiers reportedly refused to comply with police instructions.

The situation was brought under control after the Chief of Defence Staff ordered the soldiers to return to their barracks.

Speaking to journalists, Mr. Nai said Trasacco had earlier attempted to buy the land but resorted to force when he refused to sell. He showed documents, including a land certificate, to prove he legally acquired the property from the Agbawe Kplenwe Family of La, with his ownership properly registered at the Lands Commission.

Officials at the Lands Commission are reported to have confirmed that the land belongs to him.

Backing his claim, Nii Shika Gborbilor II, Chief of Okatabanman and a principal member of the Agbawe Kplenwe Family, insisted that Trasacco has no right to the disputed property. He explained that while the company secured a different piece of land years ago through his grandfather, the land in contention had already been sold to Mr. Nai by his late father, Nii Sowah Okataban II, former Chief of Adentan.

“The family will stand by Mr. Nai if this matter goes to court. No one can come from Italy and claim land that is not theirs,” Nii Shika said.

The matter is expected to be settled in court as Trasacco, traditional authorities, and security agencies prepare to defend their positions over the disputed Pantang land.