A simmering controversy is unfolding on social media between Ghana’s Minister for Communication and Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, and the Igbo King in Ghana, His Royal Majesty Eze Dr. Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, over claims of land ownership and cultural establishment in Old Ningo.
The tension stems from a widely circulated video in which King Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu disclosed his intentions to construct an “Igbo Village” in Ghana. According to the King, this cultural project is to be situated around Old Ningo, where he claims to have already acquired a vast expanse of land. “My vision is to build an Igbo Village in Ghana, and I have already secured 50 acres of land, which translates to about 250 plots, along the Afloa road in the Old Ningo area,” he revealed in the video.
He explained that his inspiration was drawn from similar initiatives around the world, specifically mentioning the existence of an Igbo Village in Virginia, USA. “They established the village by preserving the antiquities of the Ndi Igbo, creating a space for archives and historical artifacts. What I aim to do in Ghana, however, has never been done before. I want to build a full Igbo Village right here in Ghana, something unprecedented among the Igbo people worldwide,” the King stated.
The declaration has since triggered a flurry of reactions online, especially from residents and natives of the Ningo-Prampram area, prompting a sharp and swift response from their MP, Sam George. Known for his vocal and assertive stance on national issues, the MP took to social media to dismiss the King’s claims.
In a strongly worded statement, Hon. Sam George wrote: “No ‘King’ has any kingdom or land in the Ningo-Prampram Constituency. Disregard any such claims. The ancient Great Ningo kingdom is welcoming to all who visit us but none is welcome to lay claim to a kingdom here. Rest assured, we are a hospitable people but our hospitality CANNOT be taken for granted. Let calm prevail.”
By Prince Ahenkorah