Shai Hills Farmers Protest Land Encroachment by Real Estate and Chinese Companies

Tensions are rising at Mampong and Takyikope in the Shai Hills area as farmers, under the banner of the Shai Hills Farmers Association, have strongly protested against what they describe as the unlawful encroachment of their farmlands by a private real estate developer and a Chinese company.

At a press conference held on Wednesday, the Association revealed that the affected lands, which they have occupied and cultivated for more than seventy years, were initially vested by the state and also partly designated for use by the Military and the Bank of Ghana. The farmers accuse the two companies of taking over significant portions of the farmland without consultation or legal authority, and of preventing farmers from accessing land crucial for their survival and food production.

“For over seventy years — since 1954 — we have been the legitimate occupants of these lands through the authority of the State and our traditional leaders,” the Association stated. “Our farms have produced some of Ghana’s finest farmers at district, regional, and national levels. These lands are not just our source of livelihood; they are vital to Ghana’s food security.”

According to the farmers, the intrusion threatens not only their livelihoods but also the broader issue of food security in Ghana. They have therefore called on the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), the Ghana Police Service, and the Ghana Armed Forces to step in immediately to halt the activities of the two companies.

The Association is demanding an immediate cessation of all private development activities on the contested lands, full restoration of farmers’ access, an investigation into how the companies gained access, and accountability for those responsible.

“We will not sit idly by while our lands are stolen and our livelihoods destroyed,” the Association warned, adding that delays in resolving the matter could have devastating consequences on the 2025 farming season, which is just about to commence.

Describing the situation as a direct threat to food security and national stability, the farmers stressed: “Food security is national security. Protect our farms; protect Ghana.”

They concluded by expressing hope that the authorities would treat the issue with the urgency and seriousness it deserves to safeguard the future of farming communities and Ghana’s agricultural sector.

As at the time of going to press, attempts to reach the companies named by the Association for a response were unsuccessful.