By Nana Kwesi Osei Bonsu | Project Leader
As both the Project Leader of Land Rights Defenders Inc. and the courtrecognized representative of the Huahi Achama Tutuwaa Royal Family in the ongoing litigation, I am writing to provide a crucial update on the state of our struggle to protect the ancestral lands of the Indigenous People of Benimasi-Boadi. This dual role reflects the unique responsibility entrusted to me by the family and affirmed by the Court of Appeal in its ruling of May 24, 2022. Over the past several months, our work has reached one of its most decisive stages yet, marked by significant legal progress, new procedural challenges, and an alarming escalation of encroachment on sacred heritage sites. This report outlines these developments and highlights why your support at this moment is vital to securing justice and safeguarding our ancestral lands.
1. High Court Case: Progress Made, But Critical Delays Now Threaten Justice
Case Management Conference (Dec 9, 2025)
The longawaited Case Management Conference took place on December 9. Unfortunately, the defendants did not meaningfully participate—they have:
After the conference, the Court adjourned the matter to March 19, 2026 to assign a definitive trial date.
Unexpected Trial Date
Despite earlier directions that this matter must proceed expeditiously, the trial has now been scheduled for:
October 21, 2026
This extended delay increases the risk of further encroachment, making donor support essential to enforce existing orders and prepare effectively for trial.
2. Escalation of Encroachment: Sacred Sites Now Under Immediate Threat
Since late 2025 and continuing into early 2026, encroachment has intensified:
These represent the most serious violations to date. We are now preparing a committal of contempt application to enforce the Court’s order. This requires extensive documentation, legal drafting, mapping, and filing fees.
3. Court of Appeal: Progress Continues Despite Misinformation and Repetitive Objections
In early 2026, a public notice was circulated by traditional authorities presenting claims about ownership of the BenimasiBoadi lands that contradicted multiple court rulings. To prevent public confusion, we immediately filed a comprehensive Rejoinder correcting the record.
Shortly afterward, a new preliminary legal objection was filed challenging the capacity of the substituted Plaintiff—despite this same issue having been conclusively settled by the Court of Appeal on May 24, 2022.
This repetitive objection delays the substantive appeal.
We have filed a full Affidavit in Opposition and are working to secure a hearing date.
4. General Legal Council (GLC): Still Awaiting Hearing Date
Our professional misconduct petition remains pending. Despite:
A hearing date has still not been assigned.
5. Global Media Recognition Strengthens Our Advocacy
Our work has recently received major international media attention, amplifying our advocacy and strengthening the protective visibility around the BenimasiBoadi community.
USA TODAY (Feb. 12, 2026)
The USA TODAY feature, “The Last Guardian of Ashanti and Why Land, Lineage, and Truth Still Matter,” highlighted:
This coverage situates our struggle within broader global conversations on Indigenous identity, heritage, and the preservation of ancestral truth.
International Business Times (IBT)
IBT’s feature presented our case as a landmark example in the continental struggle for Indigenous land rights, emphasizing:
The article deepened global understanding of the systemic pressures Indigenous families face across Africa and reinforced the importance of our ongoing legal work.
6. Why Donor Support Is Urgently Needed Now
Your support is essential for:
Every delay increases the risk of irreversible harm.
Conclusion: We Still Believe Justice Will Prevail
The foundations of our case remain strong. The courts have affirmed the family’s ownership. Global media have validated the importance of our struggle. The community remains resolute.
With your partnership, we can ensure that justice is not delayed into invisibility—and that the ancestral rights of the BenimasiBoadi People are secured for generations.
Thank you for standing with us.
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