Chiefs and residents from eight Paramountcy stools affected by the Bui Hydro-Electric Power Project have issued a one-week ultimatum to the Government, demanding payment of over GH¢1 billion in outstanding compensation or face a massive nationwide demonstration.
The affected Paramount stools — Jama, Branam, Nkwanta, South Mo, Banda, Tain, North Mo, Bia, and Bole — say the government has failed to comply with a binding High Court judgment delivered on May 31, 2023, by Justice Nicholas M.C. Abodakpi of the High Court.
According to the chiefs, the continued delay in payment represents a serious violation of their constitutional rights, particularly provisions under Article 20 of the 1992 Constitution, which guarantees prompt and fair compensation for compulsory land acquisition.
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The lands in question were acquired under Executive Instrument No. 70 on October 10, 2008, for the construction of the Bui Dam. More than 14 years later, the communities say they have yet to receive compensation, despite the state benefiting from the project.
Legal action began in August 2013, but the prolonged delay has had severe consequences for affected families. Many residents reportedly continue to face economic hardship, with limited access to basic services.
The chiefs also revealed that several traditional leaders who initiated the legal action have since died, with some deaths attributed to the prolonged financial strain and lack of adequate healthcare.
The High Court ruling affirmed the rights of beneficiaries, including several traditional leaders, to full compensation exceeding GH¢1 billion, along with accrued interest.
Despite this clear directive, the chiefs say the government has yet to honour the payment.
Frustrated by the delay, the chiefs have announced plans to organize a large-scale protest if payment is not made within seven days.
They say thousands of affected residents will march to Jubilee House to demand enforcement of the court’s decision.
The group is urging the government to act swiftly to avoid escalating tensions, stressing that the matter is not only legal but also moral.
They emphasized that justice must be delivered without further delay, warning that continued inaction risks deepening public frustration.
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” the statement noted, adding that the memory of deceased traditional leaders underscores the urgency of resolving the matter.