Story By: Juliet Akosua Danquah
A fierce land dispute has erupted in Atimpoku, where the local NDC constituency branch is accused of forcibly taking a plot legally leased by businesswoman, the Chief Executive Officer of Connie Shapes Fashion, Comfort Diku.
The party allegedly demolished a wall and building materials on the land to construct its new constituency office.
The Constituency Chairman, Mr. Bright Sikanku, admitted to the demolition but denied any wrongdoing.
He claimed the NDC legitimately bought the land from the Chief of Atimpoku for GH¢6,000 and possesses an indenture as proof.
However, legal documents show Madam Diku executed a formal lease for the same land on January 19, 2024, with the Chief, Nana Kwaku Budu Akomeah V, and the Omanhene, Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III.
An official receipt from the Aduana Abrade Royal Family also supports her claim. The case appears to be a classic example of a “double sale,” where the same land is sold to multiple parties.
Madam Diku had planned to build a fashion and youth training center. She alleges the destruction was carried out by thugs acting on orders from the NDC leadership. She claims the local MP, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, acknowledged the error and promised compensation, initially suggesting a purchase of the land for GH¢300,000 and reimbursement of GH¢162,000 for damages. However, she was later offered a mere GH¢50,000 as a final settlement, which she rejected.
Complicating matters, Madam Diku alleges her own sister, who is the NDC Women’s Organiser for the constituency, betrayed her by handing over the original land receipt to party officials without her consent. Her sister, Margaret Diku, defended the action, stating it was to prove ownership after the Chief denied selling the land to Comfort Diku.
The distressed businesswoman is now appealing to national NDC leaders, including John Mahama, to intervene. Meanwhile, the Chief of Atimpoku declined to comment by phone, insisting on a face-to-face meeting.
