The Chief of Kokomlemle in Accra, Nii Ayikwei Kakalor I, has urged the public to be wary of people parading as landowners in the area in order not to be duped in any land transaction under his jurisdiction.
He urged the public to be vigilant and to employ all measures, including verification with the traditional authority in the area and the appropriate state authorities in any prospective land transaction, to curtail the litany of land disputes in the jurisdiction.
In a statement issued in Accra last Monday, Nii Kakalor said, “these scammers are taking advantage of unsuspecting buyers and causing financial losses and emotional distress” to many people.
It said the statement had become necessary in the wake of complex land disputes in the area and the emotional and financial distress that some members of the public had been subjected to in their land transactions with people it described as fraudsters.
“These individuals or groups pose as landowners or agents, selling plots of land that they do not own or have no authority to sell.
They use fake documents, forged signatures and deceitful tactics to convince buyers of the legitimacy of the sale,” the statement said.
It stressed that the legitimate traditional stools with powers over Kokomlemle were the Gbese Mantse, Nii Ayi-Bonte II, and the Kokomlemle Mantse, Nii Kakalor, adding that land transactions that did not involve the two traditional leaders would be at the risk of the buyer.
“Buying land from these scammers can result in monetary loss, emotional distress and legal complications,” the statement added.
It, therefore, warned the public to “stay vigilant and report such issues to the police, the Gbese Mantse or Nii Kakalor I for redress”.
Nii Kakalor further urged the public to protect themselves and avoid falling victim to the scams by verifying ownership of land; ensure the seller had the right to sell the land by checking with the relevant authorities; seek professional advice by consulting a lawyer or real estate expert and checking with the Kokomlemle Mantse or the Gbese Mantse.
“I urge everyone to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to land sales within the community. Let us work together to protect our communities and prevent these scammers from causing harm,” the statement added.
