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DEVELOP YOUR LANDS IMMEDIATELY OR FACE SANCTIONS-NANA KWASI ATOWARE II WARNS PLOT OWNERS
Sefwi Basengele Chief Raises Alarm Over Bushy Plots, Criminal Hideouts and Rising Substance Abuse Among Youth
By: Justice Baffour Awuah
The Chief of Sefwi Basengele in the Anhwiaso Traditional Area, Nana Kwasi Atoware II, has urged landowners in the Bibiani Municipality to develop their acquired plots without delay, warning that failure to comply could attract serious sanctions under the law.
Nana Atoware II, who also serves as the administrative head of customary stool lands in Bibiani, issued the warning on Saturday during a programme on Okyeame Radio, a local radio station in Bibiani.
He expressed concern over the increasing number of undeveloped plots that have been left unattended, allowing thick bushes to take over areas meant for residential and other development projects.
According to the chief, the overgrown plots have become potential breeding grounds for dangerous animals, including snakes, scorpions and rodents, posing threats to residents and surrounding communities.
He further lamented that some of the neglected lands have allegedly been turned into ghettos and hideouts for suspected criminals, substance abusers and other individuals engaging in unlawful activities.
“These places have become hideouts for rapists, criminals and other wicked people who use them for their operations,” Nana Atoware II lamented.
He therefore appealed to all landowners in the municipality to take immediate steps to develop their properties and prevent the areas from becoming security threats to residents.
The chief warned that those who fail to comply with the directive could face serious consequences, stressing that offenders would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
CHIEF RAISES CONCERN OVER SUBSTANCE ABUSE AMONG YOUTH
Beyond the issue of undeveloped lands, Nana Atoware II expressed worry over what he described as the growing problem of substance abuse among the youth, warning that the practice could undermine their personal development and future prospects.
He noted that drug abuse could have serious medical, psychological and social consequences, urging young people to avoid substances that could jeopardise their health, ambitions and contribution to society.
The chief also cautioned pragya riders against substance abuse, particularly because operating commercial tricycles under the influence of drugs or other intoxicating substances could increase the risk of road accidents and endanger the lives of passengers and other road users.
He encouraged the youth to remain focused, disciplined and responsible, emphasising that they represent the future of traditional leadership, education, politics, religious institutions and public administration.
“You are our future leaders. Chiefs, headmasters, Members of Parliament, Chief Executives, Reverend Ministers and other prominent personalities will emerge from among you. Therefore, position yourselves to take advantage of the numerous opportunities ahead,” he advised.
LANDOWNERS URGED TO SECURE PROPER DOCUMENTATION
Nana Atoware II further urged individuals who have acquired plots of land to complete the necessary documentation and legal processes to safeguard their ownership and minimise the risk of land disputes.
He stressed the importance of obtaining the appropriate land documents and following the required procedures to prevent avoidable litigation and conflicts over land ownership.
The chief’s call highlights the need for responsible land ownership, proper property development and greater attention to community safety.
Residents and landowners are therefore being encouraged to work together with the relevant traditional authorities and public institutions to ensure that undeveloped plots do not become threats to public safety and that land transactions are properly documented.
