The New Ghana Social Justice Forum (NGSJF) has issued a stern warning to Ghanaian celebrities urging them to sever ties with Bel-Aqua, a brand under the Blowplast Group of Companies, due to allegations of the forcible seizure of Ga lands.
Mr. Yahaya Alhassan, President of NGSJF, condemned the company’s actions, which he described as a violation of Section 2 of Act 1036 of Ghana’s Constitution regarding allodial ownership.
He stated, “The continued endorsement and collaboration with Bel-Aqua is tantamount to supporting the unlawful seizure of Ga lands and the disenfranchisement of the rightful allodial owners—the Akumajay family.”
The dispute centres around the Blowplast Group’s acquisition of land at Abossey Okai-Japan Motors, which the Akumajay family alleges was seized without proper legal procedures.
Supreme Court rulings mandate that lands leased for specific purposes must revert to the original owners if the intended use is not fulfilled.
Celebrities such as Camidoh, Cina Soul, and Kafui Dey, who attended Bel-Aqua’s recent “Healing Together Vigil 2.0” concert on October 31, 2024, have come under scrutiny for allegedly aiding and abetting the controversy.
Mr. Alhassan emphasized, “Celebrities who endorse and participate in events linked to the Blowplast Group are indirectly supporting this illegal act. This undermines our cultural heritage and contributes to the marginalization of local communities.”
The NGSJF is calling for a nationwide boycott of Bel-Aqua products and Blowplast Group services until the disputed land is returned to the Akumajay family.
Additionally, the Forum plans to push for diplomatic measures, such as visa sanctions, against celebrities continuing to endorse Bel-Aqua.
Mr. Alhassan stressed the broader cultural and political implications of protecting Ga lands, which he believes are essential to preserving Ghana’s identity.
He expressed support for President-elect John Mahama’s commitment to improving land acquisition transparency and redistributing lands to marginalized communities.
“Ghana’s lands belong to its people, and we must take all necessary steps to safeguard these rights and ensure justice for vulnerable families and communities,“ he stressed.
The NGSJF, he said, remains resolute in its mission to reclaim lands and protect the rights of local communities.