By Buertey Francis BORYOR
The Gbese Mantse, Nii Ayi-Bonte II, has called on government to address longstanding compensation claims over lands acquired during the colonial era – noting that many affected communities continue to face hardship despite contributing in national development.
He also urged authorities to return portions of acquired lands that are no longer being used for their intended purpose, arguing that such lands could support development within the Gbese area and improve livelihoods.
Nii Ayi-Bonte, in a speech read on his behalf at the 150th anniversary celebration of the Supreme Court of Ghana launch in Accra, said the contributions of Gbese lands to the country’s institutional development must be matched with fairness and accountability.
“We want to use this opportunity to appeal for government to consider the payment of compensation to many Gbese lands acquired under the British colonial administration,” he said.
He traced the issue back to 1875 – when the British colonial administration acquired large portions of Gbese lands to develop the capital of the then-Gold Coast, laying the foundation for key state institutions.
According to him, several major national institutions – including the Supreme Court, Bank of Ghana, Ghana Commercial Bank, the Old Parliament House and other public agencies – were established on lands belonging to the Gbese people, adding that the scale of land contributions by the Gbese stool underscores its central role in the country’s administrative and judicial development.
Nii Ayi Bonte II noted that under his leadership additional lands have been made available for expansion of the judiciary – including sites for court facilities in Accra and surrounding areas – and pledged continued support for the judicial service, indicating that lands within Gbese jurisdiction will be made available for court development when needed and where feasible.
The Gbese Mantse commended the judiciary for its role in maintaining order and stability, describing the institution as essential to a functioning society. He also called on the judicial service to take deliberate steps in encouraging the development of legal professionals from the Gbese area, including judges and lawyers, to ensure broader representation.
The event marked an official launch of activities to commemorate 150 years of the Supreme Court, under the theme ‘Honouring the Past, Celebrating the Present and Defining the Future’.
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