Central Region—The Gomoa Akyempim Traditional Area, once a beacon of cultural heritage, has been gripped by a deepening crisis of insecurity and governance failures. The shocking murder of Lance Corporal Michael Danso on April 30, 2024, in Millennium City, Gomoa Fetteh, highlights these growing concerns and the systemic flaws they expose.
The Incident
Lance Corporal Michael Danso was fatally shot by Benlord Ababio during a land dispute in the Central Region. Despite being rushed to the Mother and Child Hospital in Kasoa, the soldier succumbed to his injuries. Investigations revealed that Ababio, who styled himself as a chief, was allegedly involved in landguard activities—a criminal operation outlawed by the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036).
The Aftermath: A Joint Declaration of Accountability
In response to this tragedy, a joint declaration was issued by prominent figures in the Gomoa Akyempim Traditional Area, including:
- Obaatanpa Ama Eduwa I: Paramount Queenmother of Gomoa Akyempim.
- Nsona Royal Family and Divisional Chiefs: Key custodians of the area’s customs.
The declaration highlighted several issues: 
- Unlawful Conferment of Chieftaincy Titles:
- Benlord Ababio was not officially recognized within the traditional registry.
- His alleged involvement in landguard syndicates was tied to titles recklessly conferred by the allegedly destooled Omanhen, Obrifo Ahunako Ahor Ankobia II, in violation of customs and legal statutes.
- Contravention of Customs and Laws:
- Obrifo’s actions, including title conferments at his private residence, breached the Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759) and contributed to governance decay.
- Appeal for National Security Intervention:
- National security agencies were urged to dismantle criminal syndicates in the Twafo Division and restore peace.
- Condemnation of Inaction:
- Long-standing neglect by law enforcement allowed landguards to thrive, culminating in Danso’s murder.
- Call to the Media and Stakeholders:
- The media was urged to investigate and expose the systemic roots of insecurity in Gomoa Akyempim.
Public Figures and Criminal Networks
Photographs emerged linking accused killer Benlord Ababio to notable figures such as:
- Kennedy Agyapong, Member of Parliament.
- The Inspector General of Police.
- Kwesi Alhaji, an alleged landguard kingpin.
These associations deepened public concern about the intersection of criminal networks with traditional governance and state institutions.
Institutional Silence
Months after the incident, there have been no significant updates from the police or judiciary. This prolonged silence erodes public confidence in the justice system, amplifying the perception of inefficiency, corruption, and political interference.
A Broken System Exposed
- Civilians’ Insecurity:
- If a soldier can be murdered with impunity, the safety of ordinary citizens is called into question.
- Institutional Failures:
- The lack of timely updates or decisive action highlights systemic inefficiencies in law enforcement.
- Erosion of Traditional Governance:
- The infiltration of self-styled chiefs and criminal syndicates into traditional structures destabilizes the community.
A Call to Action
The murder of Lance Corporal Michael Danso must serve as a wake-up call to tackle the root causes of insecurity and governance failures.
- Demand Accountability:
- Stakeholders and the public must insist on transparent investigations and swift justice.
- Strengthen Law Enforcement:
- Security agencies must prioritize dismantling landguard syndicates and restoring public order.
- Preserve Traditional Governance:
- Customary leaders must protect traditional structures from criminal infiltration and uphold the sanctity of customs.
- Empower the Media:
- Journalists should continue exposing wrongdoing, ensuring public pressure holds institutions accountable.
Conclusion
The tragic death of Lance Corporal Michael Danso is not an isolated incident but a symptom of broader systemic failures in Ghana’s governance and law enforcement. Addressing these challenges requires collective action to restore security, justice, and the integrity of traditional and state institutions.
Justice for Danso is not just about one man’s life—it is about safeguarding the lives, safety, and cultural heritage of every Ghanaian.
