The issue of land guards has become an albatross hanging on the necks of many land developers in the national capital, Accra.
Their illegal activities have led to the deaths and maiming of some citizens, including security officers who had responded to calls of hapless developers to save them from the constant harassment of land guards in their respective communities.
Those involved in such illegal activities are often unemployed young men armed with dangerous weapons and hired by rival factions in land litigation disputes to harass and repel perceived intruders.
Situation
It is, therefore, heartwarming that the Anti-land Guard Unit of the Ghana Police Service was living up to expectations following years of sustained and intelligence-led operations in the national capital.
Communities such as Asalaja, Oyarifa, Ablekuma, Baatsona and surrounding areas, once referred to as flashpoints in land-guard related intimidations and violence, were now recording a significant decline in such disturbances.
Some residents in those communities, who spoke to the Daily Graphic, attributed the achievement to consistent enforcement of the law, actions and strategic policing by the unit under the able leadership of Superintendent Nafiu Shittu.
A resident of Oyarifa, Emmanuel Allotey, said, “Their work underscores the importance of consistency, enforcement, institutional stability and collaboration in dealing with activities of land guards.
Their impact is evident on the ground.”
Interventions
In an interview, Supt Shittu explained the unit’s approach to include constant patrols, rapid response to distress calls and coordinated operations, which had succeeded in dismantling organised land guard activities in the city.
“These interventions have helped in restoring calm, improving public confidence and also reducing open confrontations in disputed land ownership claims.
“We operate within a complex environment marked by multiple land ownership claims, prolonged disputes and deep-rooted customary interests,” he said.
Supt Shittu said despite some challenges they encountered in their operations, the unit had earned a reputation for their professionalism, restraint and adherence to the rule of law by prioritising public safety while navigating sensitive land administration issues.
“Indeed, the success of effective policing is often measured not by dramatic arrests or headlines, but by the absence of violence and the return of normal community life,” he said.
Appreciation
Supt Shittu expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno and the management of the service for the invaluable support to the unit.
He also thanked citizens for their cooperation and understanding, while appealing for more collaboration to ensure safety in the city.
Supt Shittu further urged legitimate land developers not to hesitate in contacting the police in an event of land guards attacks.
