There is rising tension in Asamang Tamfoe in the Atiwa East District of the Eastern Region as chiefs and farmers demand the immediate arrest of a notorious illegal miner causing massive destruction to farmlands in the area.
The miner, identified only as Abeiku, has allegedly taken over about 13 hectares of farmland for illegal mining, claiming the land belongs to the chief of Ankaase.
However, the chief of Asamang Tamfoe ,Osabarima Kwame Koh,firmly rejected this claim, insisting the land is under their traditional jurisdiction.
” He has to be taken on and the right thing must be done. The police and other security agencies must come in and ascertain the facts for themselves so that the right course to be done”. Osabarima Kwame Koh stated.
The chief added “I am very very much worried but u don’t want the spill of blood either than that we would have taken them on but I want to take the right course and I want everything go according to the rule of law. They can never claim Asamang lands to be theirs”.
The situation turned volatile when some of the over 70 affected farmers stormed the illegal mining site to confront Abeiku and his workers.
Meanwhile, sensing a possible security operation against his activities, Abeiku has filed a lawsuit at the Koforidua High Court against Ernest Owusu Ntim, the recently nominated District Chief Executive (DCE), and several community leaders who were part of community mining initiative in the area.
In the suit, he accuses them of attempt take over the disputed farmlands bordering Asamang Tamfoe and Ankaase under the guise of community mining.
The residents called for swift intervention by law enforcement to prevent further tension and protect their livelihoods.
Source :Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/ Obed Ansah
