Chiefs and elders of the Abore Twidan Family of Gomoa Fetteh in the Central Region have appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to extend his “reset agenda” to cover the growing threat of landguard activities in the area.

The traditional leaders warned that while the fight against illegal mining (galamsey) has received national attention, the operations of landguards are also destroying lives, draining people’s resources, and undermining lawful land ownership.

Speaking at a press briefing, the Chief of Gomoa Fetteh, Nana Abore Ewusi XX, expressed deep concern about the situation, describing it as a crisis that must be addressed urgently.

“The activities of landguards have escalated. They are maiming people and taking over properties that have been lawfully acquired.

We call on the President to intervene and set up a committee to investigate their operations and bring an end to this menace,” Nana Ewusi XX stated.

He was flanked by Ebusuapayin Kwame Ewudzie, Twafo Hemaa of Gomoa Akyeampim Traditional Area Nana Amoesima Nkrabea I, Acting Queen Mother of Gomoa Fetteh, Baaba Akorfua Nkrabea II, and Abrahene Kow Boafo.

According to the chief, fear of attacks has prevented women from going to their farms, with reports of armed landguards allegedly harassing and assaulting residents.

He added that Gomoa Fetteh has become a hub for landguard activities in the Central Region, blaming the situation on the actions of a self-styled chief known as Kwesi Alhaji and his associate Kofi Baah.

“These men have succeeded in compromising the police in Gomoa Fetteh.

Some landguards are so emboldened that they have allegedly attacked police officers in broad daylight, even near the police station,” he alleged.

Nana Ewusi XX further claimed that petitions sent to the Inspector-General of Police and the Presidency had not yielded results.

He accused former NPP National Chairman Mr. Freddie Blay of shielding the landguards, which he said had encouraged them to continue their violent activities.

“We are now strangers on our own land. Strangers have taken over our birthright because the law is not working in Gomoa Fetteh,” he lamented.

Adding her voice, Obaahema Nana Amoesima I, who has served as Queen Mother of Gomoa Fetteh for over 40 years, said the landguard crisis had robbed genuine landowners of peace and the ability to develop their lands.

Now in her 90s, she revealed that she had appointed representatives to act on her behalf due to her age, but claimed that Kwesi Alhaji and his group were tormenting her family and the wider community.

The chiefs reiterated their call for decisive presidential intervention to restore peace, safeguard land ownership rights, and protect residents of Gomoa Fetteh from further attacks.