Tension in Manso Afɛdeɛ as Forestry Guards Allegedly Destroy Farmers’ Crops
Tension is mounting in Manso Afɛdeɛ, a predominantly farming community in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region, after over 50 farmers reportedly lost acres of cassava and plantain farms to a destruction exercise allegedly carried out by guards from the Bekwai Forestry Commission.
The incident, which has left many farmers devastated, has sparked outrage and fear among residents, with several calling for immediate government intervention. The affected farmers claim the destruction was carried out without prior notice or consultation, leaving them with nothing to depend on.
In interviews with the media, the distraught farmers said they had invested their life savings into the cultivation of the crops, which serve as their only source of income.
“This is our only means of survival, and now everything has been taken away from us,” lamented one farmer. “We were not even given a chance to harvest what we planted. It’s unfair and disheartening.”
Another farmer expressed worry about the future, noting that the loss has brought untold hardship to their families.
The Nkosuohene of Manso Afɛdeɛ, Nana Kwaku Agyapong, has strongly condemned the actions of the forest guards, describing them as cruel and unjustified.
“While we acknowledge the need to protect forest reserves, it must not be done at the expense of people’s livelihoods,” Nana Agyapong said. “The Forestry Commission should have engaged the community first. Destroying farms without dialogue only creates anger and resentment.”
Residents say the development has created fear and uncertainty, with many farmers now afraid to return to their farmlands. Some have warned that if the matter is not addressed quickly, it could spark unrest in the area.
The affected farmers are appealing to the government and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to investigate the conduct of the Bekwai Forestry Commission officials. They are also demanding compensation and alternative lands to enable them to rebuild their lives.
They stressed that they are not against forest protection measures but are calling for a more compassionate and consultative approach that safeguards both the environment
