The Centre for Human Advancement and Empowerment (CHAE Ghana) has formally petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to establish a military base in Gomoa East. The organisation argues that armed violence linked to land guards has persisted in Gomoa East, Gomoa West, Gomoa Central, Awutu Senya East and Awutu Senya West along the Accra‑Cape Coast corridor.
In a petition dated 3 October 2026, CHAE Ghana asked the president to instruct the Ministry of Defence and the Ghana Armed Forces to conduct a feasibility assessment for a new installation in Gomoa East. The petition cites repeated violent incidents, including the April 2024 killing of Lance Corporal Michael Danso at Millennium City in Gomoa Fetteh, which the GAF said was linked to a land dispute. A suspect has since been arrested and charged.
CHAE Ghana also highlighted armed attacks on traditional authorities, shootings and disruptions to development projects in communities such as Fetteh Kakraba, Toansah, Awutu Papaase and Dampase. The organisation claims that police operations and bans on digging fees have failed to stop the violence.
“A visible, well‑equipped force close to the hotspots would discourage armed groups that currently scatter when police arrive and return when they leave,” the petition states. It further proposes joint military‑police patrols and an increased police presence as interim measures while the feasibility study is undertaken.
The organisation argues that a permanent military presence would also support the enforcement of the Land Act, 2020, especially provisions criminalising land‑guard activities, and could aid disaster response and local economic activity by protecting investments and creating demand for services.
The petition was signed by CHAE Ghana Executive Director Bright Botchway and submitted through the Minister for Defence. CHAE Ghana has offered to work with traditional authorities, district assemblies and community leaders to identify suitable land for the proposed base and provide information for the assessment.
Land‑related disputes have long plagued the Gomoa area. A 2024 Supreme Court case involving Gomoa Fetteh Kakraba lands cited allegations of trespass and the operation of persons described by plaintiffs as land guards on disputed lands. The proposed military presence, CHAE Ghana says, is intended to secure lives and property while supporting development in the five districts.
What to watch: The Ministry of Defence is expected to announce whether a feasibility study will be commissioned in the coming weeks, and whether the president will endorse the proposal for a new GAF base in Gomoa East.
