Chiefs, Officials Mediate Aboabo–Rainforest Builder Conflict
Tensions between the Aboabo community and Rainforest Builder Ghana Limited have been eased following a mediation led by the President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II.
The talks, held at Anhwiaso, brought together a high-level delegation comprising the Member of Parliament for Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai, the Municipal Chief Executive, traditional rulers, security agencies, and political party representatives.
In his opening remarks, Ogyeahoho Gyebi II, who also serves as Paramount Chief of the Anhwiaso Traditional Area, explained that the meeting followed a petition from the Aboabo community. Residents alleged that workers of Rainforest Builder Ghana had destroyed farms and violated their rights in the course of operations in the Anhwiaso East Forest Reserve.
The community had previously staged a demonstration to demand access to parts of the land for farming. According to the chief, several preliminary meetings had already been held with the parties before the latest gathering.
The dispute revolves around the allocation of forest compartments to Rainforest Builder for afforestation, disagreements over benefit-sharing arrangements, and claims of crop destruction. The mediation provided an opportunity for all stakeholders — including the Forestry Commission, community leaders, and company officials — to present their concerns in what observers described as a constructive dialogue.
Beyond the Aboabo conflict, participants also raised broader environmental concerns. The meeting condemned the activities of illegal miners, particularly the destruction of virgin forest at Bunkaso. Reports of assaults on cocoa farmers and residents of Merewa by thugs and some officials of the Forestry Commission were also criticized, with assurances that investigations and prosecutions would follow.
In closing, Nana Ama Yisrah, Executive Director of Colandef, a peacebuilding consultancy, pledged to work with all sides to ensure compliance with agreed proposals. A follow-up meeting has been scheduled to advance discussions toward a lasting settlement.
