Court Issues Bench Warrant for Arrest of Landguard Commander

Dansoman: A Dansoman Circuit Court judge has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Ussha Haruna, the alleged ringleader of a gang of 10 landguards arrested last Thursday for terrorizing residents of Ashongman in the Ga East District of the Greater Accra region. The arrest warrant was issued following Haruna's failure to appear in court on Tuesday when the case involving the prosecution of the 10 was called.According to Ghana News Agency, it remains unclear why Haruna did not attend the court session. However, reports have surfaced suggesting interference by individuals at the police Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters in Accra, who have requested the case docket. This has led to concerns among Ashongman residents, who suspect that certain individuals at the CID with interests in the case may aim to undermine the proceedings.State prosecuting officers have expressed unease over this development, questioning the CID's authority to demand a case outside its jurisdiction. They argue that this move contradicts established prosecutorial protocols.The situation unfolds as the police announced a significant breakthrough in combating landguard violence. This follows a special operation on July 3, 2025, by the Anti-Landguard Unit, led by DSP Nafiu Shittu. The operation targeted Ashongman Estates, resulting in the arrest of the 10 notorious landguards.Acting on credible intelligence from distressed residents, the team conducted a raid at around 10:00 AM on the Bank of Ghana lands, apprehending the suspects who had long harassed landowners with threats, property damage, and illegal land claims. The suspects were detained without resistance and are currently facing charges under the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999).The suspected sponsor of the group, Ussha Haruna, is also under investigation for orchestrating the gang's unlawful activities. The land in question, officially acquired through a government auction in 2014 and supported by court rulings in 2010 and 2024, has been a hotspot for violent disputes despite clear legal ownership. Armed landguards have persistently made false claims, extorted payments, and intimidated residents.DSP Shittu emphasized that the operation was part of a national effort to dismantle landguard networks and ensure land ownership security. Ashongman Estates residents expressed gratitude and renewed hope following the police intervention, lauding COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno for his leadership since taking office. The operation underscores the importance of community-police collaboration in addressing urban land insecurity and the necessity for strict legal measures against landguardism, a persistent issue in Ghana's developing areas.The land at the center of this conflict, located in Ashongman Estates, was legally acquired by its original owners in 2014 through a government auction, with full compensation paid. This ownership was further validated by court decisions in 2010 and 2024. Despite this, landguards have continued to terrorize residents, falsely claiming ownership of plots and demanding payments from legitimate landowners.The Anti-Landguard Unit, acting on intelligence from affected residents, meticulously planned the operation to capture the culprits. On the morning of July 3, officers executed a surprise raid on the Bank of Ghana lands, successfully apprehending the landguards without incident, showcasing the unit's professionalism and determination.In a statement, DSP Nafiu Shittu, Commander of the Anti-Landguard Unit, revealed that the individuals arrested were part of an organized group known for intimidating residents, destroying property, and illegally claiming land. DSP Shittu noted that this operation is part of a broader initiative by the Ghana Police Service to combat landguard activities nationwide.The arrests have sparked hope among Ashongman Estates residents, who have long felt neglected in their struggle against the illegal actions of landguards. The 10 apprehended suspects, reportedly sponsored by Ussha Haruna, include Yussif Touffik, Chief Ali Ibrahim, Abdul Wajeed, Seidu Issah, Graham Smith, Latiff Larry, Mohammed Omar, Emmanuel Mensah, Abdul Wallah, and Said Abdullai. All are currently in custody, charged with causing damage and engaging in landguardism under the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999).The successful operation at Ashongman Estates highlights the critical role of collaboration between communities, law enforcement, and government entities in addressing the landguard problem. With urban land disputes increasing due to rising property values and unclear land documentation in some regions, specialized units like the Anti-Landguard Unit, led by DSP Nafiu Shittu, are essential in resolving these challenges.