The issue presented in this publication concerns allegations of improper land acquisition and development by the Presbyterian Church of Ghana in Banka. Contrary to public discourse that often frames threats to national integrity primarily in terms of cybercrime, this account raises questions regarding institutional ethics, transparency, and accountability within a religious organization entrusted with moral leadership.
This publication examines the conduct of the Banka Presbyterian Church under the leadership of Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, particularly in relation to the Church’s continued occupation and development of a parcel of land historically owned by the late Nana Adwoa Donkor. The land in question was acquired by the late Nana Adwoa Donkor over a century ago and remained under uninterrupted family ownership and control for generations.
The Church has asserted ownership of the land based on representations that are disputed by the family. Concerns have been raised regarding the credibility of the Church’s claim, including reliance on deceased individuals as purported witnesses and the characterization of construction activities—namely, a school, church building, and mission house—as humanitarian initiatives. While the provision of education and religious services is commendable in principle, the legitimacy of such activities depends on the lawful acquisition of the land on which they occur.
This matter raises fundamental ethical questions for the Church’s leadership, including its adherence to core Christian principles reflected in the Ten Commandments, particularly the prohibitions against theft and false testimony (Exodus 20:15–16). Institutions that publicly promote moral and spiritual values bear a heightened responsibility to ensure their actions are consistent with those teachings.
Background of the Claimant
My name is Paulina Agyekumwaa. I am eighty-four years old and the daughter of the late Nana Adwo Donkor. I am the lawful owner of the land inherited from my mother prior to her death and the sole and principal executor of her estate.
My mother acquired the land during the colonial period and exercised continuous ownership, control, and possession until her death. Throughout her lifetime, she farmed the land and permitted others to cultivate portions of it strictly at her discretion. Individuals who farmed the land with her consent—including Mr. Adu-Boakye, then a catechist of the Church and headmaster of the Banka Presbyterian Primary School, as well as Teacher Agyeman-Duah and Mr. Kwaku Nimako—returned possession of the land upon completion of their use.
Events Giving Rise to the Dispute
In the early 2000s, the Banka Presbyterian Church entered and commenced development on the land without the consent or authorization of my mother or the family. Upon learning of these activities, the family reported the matter to the then chief of the town, Osabarima Twiampomaa III. Although he acknowledged that the land belonged to my late mother, no effective intervention occurred.
Between 2000 and 2024, the family made repeated demands that the Church suspend all development activities pending lawful resolution of the ownership dispute. On several occasions, the Church, through its local representative Benjamin Kwame Antwi, assured the family that construction would be halted. These assurances were not honoured, and construction activities subsequently intensified.
Continued Efforts at Resolution and Legal Context
In July and August 2025, my family formally sought the intervention of Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, National Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, regarding the disputed land. In a letter dated 19 August 2025, the family communicated its collective and unequivocal decision not to sell the land. Although no formal written response was received, a delegation was subsequently sent to meet with my family. This meeting confirmed that the national leadership of the Church was aware of both the family’s ownership claim and its objection to the Church’s continued occupation of the land.
On or about 23 December 2025, my family was reliably informed that development activities on the disputed land were continuing, notwithstanding prior assurances that all work would be suspended. When contacted, Benjamin Kwame Antwi, a representative of the Banka Presbyterian Church, asserted that the land belonged to the Church and that it would not be relinquished. Development activities have continued, with the apparent support of the Church’s national leadership, resulting in ongoing trespass and creating a risk of permanent alteration to the land before lawful ownership is resolved.
In light of these developments, my family seeks clarification and disclosure of the following matters:
- The identity of the individual(s) or entity from whom the land was allegedly acquired
- The date on which the alleged acquisition occurred
- Documentary evidence demonstrating lawful acquisition of title
In the absence of such evidence, the Church’s continued occupation and development of the land remain without legal foundation.
My family has also been informed of an asserted position that our “silence and delay” constitutes acquiescence or forfeiture of ownership. This position has no basis in legal jurisprudence. For guidance on this point, the following authorities may be instructive:
In Agbosu & Others v. Kotey & Others [2003–2005] 1 GLR 685 (SC), the Supreme Court held that failure to establish a valid root of title is fatal to a land claim, and that mere occupation or development does not confer ownership.
Similarly, in Bisi & Others v. Tabiri alias Asare [1987–88] 1 GLR 360 (CA), the Court of Appeal affirmed that long possession and the erection of buildings on land, in the absence of lawful authority, do not vest ownership, regardless of any delay by the true owners in asserting their rights.
Closing Statement
As a Christian, I hold deep respect for the Church, for God, and for the teachings of Christ. I believe that the Church stands as the House of God and that its doctrine calls for conduct consistent with justice, truth, and righteousness. It is my sincere hope that the leadership of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana will receive this publication as an invitation to pursue a peaceful resolution of this matter and to vacate the land pending a lawful determination of ownership. Justice, though it may require time, ultimately prevails.
Thank you.
Paulina Agyekumwaa
