Samuel Ackon, GNA
Assin Kumasi (C/R), Oct.16, GNA- Tension is mounting at Assin Kumasi in the Assin South District of the Central Region following a confrontation between aggrieved farmers and sand-winners over the destruction of farmlands.
The farmers accused the operators of destroying their cocoa farms, plantations and cassava farms without their consent or compensation, threatening their livelihoods and sources of income.
In a bid to prevent further destruction, the aggrieved farmers, accompanied by some traditional leaders, stormed the affected sites to protest the operations and demand an immediate halt to the activities.
Some of the protesters were seen wearing red armbands and wielding cutlasses, sticks and clubs as they expressed their anger over the alleged destruction of their farms.
Nana Kwaw Awere I, the Chief of Assin Kumasi, alleged that a prominent figure at Abakrampa was behind the sand-winning activities.
He called on the authorities to investigate the matter and take the necessary steps to protect the affected farmers and prevent further destruction of their farmlands.
Meanwhile, Mr Richard Nkrumah, the Chief Executive Officer of Eagle Rich Company Limited, whose company was undertaking the sand-winning operations, has defended the activity.
He said the land was leased to him by the Paramount Chief of the Abura Traditional Area, Nana Otu XI.
Mr Nkrumah also maintained that the company had obtained the necessary documentation from the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and the Minerals Commission to engage in the sand-winning operations.
The confrontation has heightened tensions in the community, raising concerns about a possible escalation, if urgent steps are not taken to address the farmers’ grievances and resolve the dispute.
GNA
Edited by Alice Tettey/Benjamin Mensah