A long-standing land dispute that stalled the relocation of Tendaaba Primary School and delayed the commencement of the proposed 24-Hour Economy Market project in Wa has been successfully resolved through the intervention of the Overlord of the Waala Traditional Area, Wa Naa Seidu Fuseini Pelpuo IV.

Documents filed at the High Court in Wa indicate that parties involved in the dispute have reached an amicable settlement following mediation efforts led by the Wa Naa and his traditional council.

The case, which was before the High Court of Justice in Wa, involved members of the Sokpayiri family as plaintiffs and the Wa Municipal Assembly alongside representatives of the Puohunyiri and Balun families as defendants. The dispute centered on ownership and interests in the land earmarked for the relocation of Tendaaba Primary School to make way for the construction of the government’s flagship 24-Hour Economy Market in Wa.

The disagreement had brought preparatory works on the project to a standstill, raising concerns among residents, traders, and education stakeholders about potential delays to both the market project and the relocation of the school.

However, following a series of engagements facilitated by the Wa Naa, the parties agreed to settle their differences out of court. The settlement documents were subsequently submitted and filed at the High Court on Tuesday, bringing the legal contest to an end.

Sources familiar with the mediation process described the settlement as a significant breakthrough that demonstrates the effectiveness of traditional dispute resolution mechanisms in addressing complex community issues.

The resolution now paves the way for the Wa Municipal Assembly and relevant government agencies to proceed with the relocation of Tendaaba Primary School and the commencement of construction works on the proposed 24-Hour Economy Market.

The market project forms part of the government’s broader 24-Hour Economy initiative aimed at stimulating economic activity, creating jobs, and expanding business opportunities across the country. In Wa, the project is expected to provide modern trading facilities and improve commercial activities within the municipality.

Residents and stakeholders have welcomed the settlement, expressing optimism that construction works will begin soon and that the project will contribute significantly to local economic development.

The successful mediation by the Wa Naa has also been praised as another example of the critical role traditional authorities continue to play in maintaining peace, resolving disputes, and promoting development within their communities.

With the legal hurdle now cleared, attention is expected to shift to the implementation phase of the project as authorities move forward with plans to transform the site into one of the municipality’s major commercial hubs under the 24-Hour Economy programme.

By: Adil Fuseini