A swift intervention by the Bono Regional Minister, Mr. Joseph Akwaboa, has stopped an attempted illegal appropriation of government land belonging to the Centre for National Culture (CNC) in Sunyani.
The development came to national attention after the Bono Regional Director of the Centre made an SOS call to the Acting Executive Director of the National Commission on Culture (NCC), Mr. Wakefield Ackuaku.
According to the Regional Director, some traditional authorities in Sunyani, acting in collaboration with a group of Chinese nationals, had moved onto the land in an attempt to forcibly take over portions of it under the guise of constructing a new “China Mall.” The boldness of the encroachment, sources say, required immediate state intervention.
A Land with Deep Historical Roots
The land at the centre of the controversy holds significant national and historical importance. Acquired during the administration of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the 60-acre parcel was originally designated for the establishment of the then Brong Ahafo Regional Cultural Centre.
For decades, successive governments—both military and civilian—respected the cultural value of the land and maintained its purpose without interference.
However, in 2023, the Sunyani Traditional Authorities claimed that no compensation was paid during the original acquisition. Following negotiations, 20 acres were released to the traditional authorities, leaving 40 acres as state property under the management of the Bono Regional Centre for National Culture.
The latest attempt to take over parts of the remaining 40 acres has therefore raised new concerns, with officials describing it as an “insatiable appetite for state lands.”
Emergency Consultations and Firm Ministerial Directive
On Wednesday, 26th November, Acting Executive Director of the NCC, Mr. Wakefield Ackuaku, travelled to Sunyani to meet with the Regional Director and staff for an emergency assessment of the situation.
He was fully briefed on the attempted encroachment and the continuing threat.
Mr. Ackuaku then engaged the Bono Regional Minister, who assured him of decisive and unwavering action.
“I have a mandate from His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama to protect all state and government lands under my jurisdiction,”
Mr. Akwaboa said.
“The Bono Regional Cultural Centre lands will not be allowed to fall into private hands.”
While commending the NCC leadership for its prompt response, the Minister urged the Commission to adopt a more proactive, long-term approach to securing its lands nationwide.
He also expressed concern about the current tenancy arrangements on the Cultural Centre land, noting that some tenants have erected permanent structures for private business activities unrelated to the Centre’s mandate.
NCC to Brief Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts
Mr. Ackuaku assured the Minister that the matter would be formally presented to the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie.
“The Honourable Minister is deeply passionate about protecting the properties and assets of all agencies under the Ministry,”
Mr. Ackuaku stated.
He added that the Minister, currently on a working tour of the Ashanti Region, would visit the Bono Region for further engagement when her schedule permits.
A Call for Vigilance and Protection of State Assets
The NCC leadership emphasised the urgency of safeguarding state lands, particularly those designated for cultural development.
Such lands, they noted, are not merely administrative holdings but vital heritage spaces intended for creative expression, cultural preservation, and national education.
The attempted takeover in Sunyani highlights the increasing pressure on public lands and the need for coordinated, proactive protection by all stakeholders.
The NCC has assured the public that it will continue to monitor developments closely and collaborate with regional authorities and the Ministry to ensure that all lands legally belonging to the state remain protected and dedicated to their intended cultural purpose.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
