The Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has issued a stern warning that it will arrest and prosecute individuals who hire land guards in the region.
REGSEC has emphasized that even the land guards themselves will face legal consequences.
This caution follows REGSEC’s serious concern over the increasing illegal activities of land guards in several communities within the region.
Land guards, organized criminal groups engaged in protecting land and property during disputes, often resort to violence, leading to violent clashes.
In a statement endorsed by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah, it was highlighted that historically, all stool lands in the Ashanti Region are under the authority of His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, with his chiefs acting as caretakers.
This framework provides ample avenues to resolve land disputes by appealing to His Majesty.
REGSEC urged residents to utilize appropriate channels for addressing land issues rather than resorting to land guards, whose activities pose threats to law-abiding citizens and contribute to violence.
The statement concluded with REGSEC urging the public to comply strictly with these directives to maintain peace, order, and safety in the region, emphasizing the collective responsibility to foster an orderly and peaceful Ashanti Region.
“Based on this fact, the Ashanti Regional Security Council requests all citizens in the region to use the right procedures to address their land disputes rather than to employ the use of land guards whose activities always threaten law-abiding citizens and result in violence.
“It is the expectation of the Regional Security Council, that the public will accept the above directives for strict compliance to ensure peace in the region. Let us all work together to make the Region an orderly, safe, and peaceful one.” the statement added.