Indiscriminate sand winning said to be destroying Akyem Abuakwa lands

Okyeman Mponoahene (boundary chief), Nana Mbeah I, has called on chiefs, assembly members and opinion leaders to help stop the unlawful sand winning operations in the Akyem Abuakwa State, in the Eastern Region.

Nana Mbea I said the illegal sand winners had destroyed about 3,500 hectares of farm lands and affected over 2,000 farmers’ livelihood while ponds of water had been created breeding mosquitoes and creating health hazards to the people.

The Okyeman Mponoahene made the appeal in an interview with the Ghana News Agency at Adoagyiri after a two-day tour in the area recently, which took him to Suhum, Amanase, Asuboi, Ayekokooso, Coaltar, Kraboa, Kyekyewere, Teacher Mante, Yawkoko, Kwadjo Fosu, Pampamso Krokese, Obregyima, Okantah, Akuffo Kurom and Samsambri.

Other areas he visited were Akwamu, Noka, Sakyikrom, Ntoaso, Owuraku, Duayeden, Nyanoase, Kofi Kwei, Darmang Ahwerease, Kofi Sah, Ayibontey and Otoase.

Nana Mbea I asked individuals, organisations and corporate bodies, that had acquired lands and plots but not been given any authorization by the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council to do so with immediate effect or should count their acquisitions as not legal.

He said the Council served a notice to the public on Friday, February 13, 2004 that any plot of land acquired within its traditional area (stool lands) should be duly authorized by the Council for it to be legal. This was contained in the Resolution on Grand of Concessions and Plot (land) Allocation of Akyem Abuakwa Stool Lands passed by the Akyem Abuakwa Stool and Traditional Council.

The Mponoahene appealed to investors to take advantage of the vast Akyem Abuakwa Stool lands stretching from River Densu to the boundaries of Adoagyiri and Akuapem to establish industries to create job for the people.

He also appealed to the Inspector General of Police to detail personnel to the area to clamp down on unlawful activities, especially sand winning in the area.

Source: GNA