In a case that underscores the complexities surrounding land ownership and disputes in Ghana, three individuals—a pastor, a traditional leader, and a land surveyor—have been arraigned before Circuit Court ‘3’ in Accra on charges of conspiracy, trespass, and fraudulent land transactions. The accused individuals, James Kumbaya Damalie, 60, a land surveyor; Peter Hammond, 58, a pastor; and Nuumo Kankam, 65, a traditional leader, appeared before Her Honour Susana Eduful to respond to the allegations.
The trio pleaded not guilty to the charges leveled against them. Following their pleas, the court remanded James Kumbaya Damalie (A1) and Nuumo Kankam (A3) into police custody. Meanwhile, Peter Hammond (A2) was granted bail to the tune of GH¢300,000 with three sureties. One of the sureties is required to be an immediate family member, while the remaining sureties must justify the bail amount with properties registered in their names.
The Background of the Case
The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Daniel Appiah-Ofori, presented a detailed account of the events leading to the arraignment. According to the prosecution, the complainant in the case, Madam Comfort Louisa Seiwah Antwi, a retired midwife and resident of Sowutuom, legally acquired a 0.48-acre plot of land in 2019 through an installment arrangement with the Ghana Registered Nurses Association (GTACC). Madam Antwi reportedly secured all necessary documentation for the property, including a Land Title Certificate issued in her name.
Shortly after acquiring the land, Madam Antwi began development on the property by constructing foundation footings for shops and a main building. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic period, construction activities came to a halt. Upon revisiting the site after the pandemic subsided, she discovered that the foundation footings had been damaged.
This discovery prompted Madam Antwi to file a complaint with the police. Subsequent investigations revealed that James Kumbaya Damalie (A1) was allegedly involved in damaging the foundations. According to the prosecution, A1 later approached Madam Antwi with an offer to purchase the land—a proposal she declined. Despite her refusal and repeated warnings, A1 allegedly trespassed onto the property again and initiated a new phase of development.
Arrest and Allegations
The matter escalated when Madam Antwi reported the ongoing trespass to the Greater Accra Regional Police Command on April 18, 2025. This led to the arrest of all three accused individuals. During police investigations, A1 reportedly admitted to his role in the alleged offenses, claiming that he acted on instructions from Nuumo Kankam (A3), who allegedly allocated the land to Peter Hammond (A2).
However, A2 denied any wrongdoing, stating that he had acquired the land through an indenture from an unspecified traditional leader. Similarly, A3 denied instructing anyone to allocate the land or authorizing any illegal transactions.
Failed Attempts at Settlement
The prosecution informed the court that attempts to resolve the matter amicably were unsuccessful. Furthermore, it was alleged that both A1 and A2 did not fully cooperate with police investigations, which ultimately necessitated their appearance before the court.
Legal Proceedings Continue
As the case unfolds in Circuit Court ‘3,’ it highlights ongoing issues surrounding land ownership disputes and fraudulent transactions in Ghana. The court's decision to remand two of the accused while granting bail to one demonstrates its commitment to ensuring justice is served while allowing due process to take its course.
The issue of land fraud remains a significant concern in Ghana, often causing financial losses and emotional distress for victims. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of securing proper documentation and engaging in due diligence when acquiring land.
The proceedings will continue as evidence is presented and arguments are heard. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly be closely watched by stakeholders and citizens alike, as it may set an important precedent for future land-related disputes in Ghana.
-By Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
