Nii Nuertey Amobi II, the substantive chief of Appolonia, held a press conference to address recent issues concerning land ownership and false publications.
In his statement, Chief Nii Nuertey Amobi II emphasized that individuals who have purchased plots of land in Appolonia from sources other than himself or his predecessors must regularize these purchases with the Appolonia Stool Council.
This call comes in response to ongoing malicious publications since Friday, July 5, 2024, which have led to confusion and misinformation among the public.
The chief highlighted a press release issued by the legal representatives of the Appolonia Stool on July 10, 2024, which aimed to clarify the status of the Appolonia chieftaincy.
The release underscored that, according to the Chieftaincy Act of 2008 (Act 759) and the Courts Act of 1993 (Act 459), the High Court does not have jurisdiction over chieftaincy matters. Such matters are reserved for the judicial committees of traditional councils, regional houses of chiefs, and the National House of Chiefs.
Only the Supreme Court holds appellate jurisdiction over chieftaincy matters.
Chief Nii Nuertey Amobi II reiterated that no ruling or judgment had been issued by the High Court’s Human Rights Division or any other court in Ghana concerning his status as the chief of Appolonia.
He urged all individuals unlawfully in possession of Appolonia Stool lands to regularize their ownership through his office and the consent of his council of elders.
The chief stressed that this regularization opportunity is exclusively for those who purchased land prior to this announcement. New, unauthorized purchases will be considered invalid and handled accordingly.
He cautioned the public to disregard false reports about his chieftaincy and to work with him and the Appolonia Stool Council to address illegal land alienations and documentation issues.
Chief Nii Nuertey Amobi II and his council of elders intend to use all necessary legal means to retrieve unregularized lands after the deadline for regularization expires.
He urged the public to treat this announcement with the seriousness it deserves to ensure proper land administration in Appolonia.