The Chiefs and people of Akwapim Mampong in the Akwapim South District of the Eastern Region are threatening to cut down cocoa trees in the town and go into illegal mining, popularly known as Galamsey.
The cocoa trees to be destroyed, Adukrohene of Akwapim Mampong, Nana Ayeh Kofi Kwaasi said include those in the preserved Tetteh Quarshie farms and the ones planted in the Jubilee fields.
“We would cut down all the cocoa trees in Mampong, all cocoa farms would be destroyed including the ones that are in the Jubilee Fields and the ones planted by Tetteh Quarshie…,” the Chief threatened on Adom FM’s Morning Show, ‘Dwaso Nsem’ Friday.
According to the angry chiefs who claim they have already sharpened their machetes for the exercise which would happen on Thursday, 11th May, 2017, they would incite the youth of the town to go into galamsey.
“Yes, we would use out land for galamsey because we have gold and our chiefs and the youth have all agreed for that to happen…galamsey has instant results and that is what we would go into because we would all have some gold for development…,” the Chief threatened further.
He said this unfortunate action would occur because the chiefs of Mampong do not see the benefit of still engaging in the growing of cocoa.
“Since 1859 when Tetteh Quarshie brought cocoa to Mampong and Ghana, the town can boast of only the Tetteh Quarshie Hospital and the road that leads to the town, we have no other benefit and have been neglected for too long, so we are cutting down our trees…,” he said.
Reacting to the threats of the Chiefs, the Board Chairman of COCOBOD, Hackman Owusu-Agyemang urged the chiefs to exercise restraint and give him the institution some time to react to their complaints.
The CEO of the COCOBOD, Joseph Boahen Aidoo, he said was currently on a visit to the Ivory Coast with the President, hence when he returns, they would visit the town.
“A week ago, we were at International Cocoa Organisation Conference in Abidjan, the CEO of COCOBOD is also on a visit to Ivory Coast with President Akufo-Addo to work on how to sustain the price of cocoa in these countries.
“Tell the chief that they should exercise some restraint because when the CEO returns, we would visit the place…you won’t gain anything from cutting down trees…,” he urged.
Responding to the appeal from the COCOBOD Chair, the chief said they would meet to consider the appeal.
Source: Adom FM
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. |
Galamsey operation at AKWABOSO in the Upper DENKYIRA District in the Central region has been intensived especially in the night.The operators have adopted "YENTIE OBIARA" attitude.The government must quickly despatch special Task force to the area to arrest all those involved.
Chief pls, Mampong is an earthquake zone, jx like McCarthy Hills and Gbawe. Venture into illigal mining at ur own risk.
This so called chief only think of today and not the tomorrow.come to my town and see for yourself what the galamsy has done to our environment.what you expect the government to do for your town must be start by your initiative so that others can help.you can cut all the trees in your town,no one cares,lazy chief you want cheap sources of money without thinking about your next generation.
The CEO of should please react towards the chiefs complaints because COCOA is always cocoa but illegal mining will destroy our lands and water bodies..moreover the chief should also exercise patience.
Chieftancy in Ghana have all lost thier importance except a few. Please cut down the cocoa and mine galamsey hence pollute your waters with the mercury and increase the prevalence of neurological diseases in your Area. This is a very s.t,u.p,id talk from a so called chief. PLEASE SHOW HIS PICTURE
Mampong Chiefs please take the Chairman's advise and wait for their visit. I'm a bit surprise the Chiefs want to go into Galamsey at time when the government is putting measures to clamp down the menace. Please exercise retrains.
This chiefs of mampong are sick. Cut down the cocoa trees even if is not for you. ***barred word*** talk, obuasi has soo much gold but what have they gotten. Do you think is only yout area that has cocoa. Cut them down and let the owners suffer. If you mine galamsay you would be dealt with. Why wont this guys learn sense small. You the chief sell lands but dies nothing for the peopple. This is pure kwasiasem.
what have the chiefs done to improve the lot of the community? couldn't they take advantage of the opportunities that are inherent in the cocoa? the chiefs must be innovative. who will suffer in the end?