By King Amoah
The chiefs, residents and farmers of Asantekrom
in the Ayensuano District of the Eastern Region are threatening bloodshed over what they described as an unlawful and forceful seizure of their farmlands by an estate developer indentured as Koans Estate Developer.
The communities affected by the activities of Koan Developer include Ningmo Pampaso, Yaw Obama, Paulkrom, Shia Panpaso, Amponsahene, Govingkrom Panpaso, part of Teacher and Kyekyeweremante
The community members allege that the developer has unlawfully seized over 4000 acres of thier lands that serve as their source of income and food
According to the chiefs and residents the developer allegedly claims that his party is in power and that nobody can take him on.
They asserted that neither the chiefs nor the land owners have engaged in any land negotiations with the developer, yet he has deployed excavators that have destroyed buildings, lands, cash crops, cocoa, cashew, cassava, plantains, and other essential food items.
According to the chief of Asanntekrom Nana Baffour Asante, Koans Estate Developer has never approached them for a word or having any discussions with the people before taking over their lands unlawfully.
The community also claims that Koan Estate has alleged that he has registered the portions of the lands jn question in his name at the Lands Commission without their consent or authorization.
In a seperate interview with the residents and other stakeholders within the area they expressed disappointment to the fact that authorities have banned the developer from encroaching the lands, Koans Developer has treated the orders with contempt.
His reasons were linked to his association with the ruling Ndc party that nobody can block his way from what he intends to do, the residents alleged.
Confirming the allegations Nana Baffour Asante said Koans Developer has allegedly deployed police and land guards to harass residents.
Facing what they describe as incessant intimidation from the developer and his machomen, the chiefs, residents, and farmers are calling on the government, National security, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to intervene before the situation escalates.
They warned that they would resort to the use of cutlasses and other deadly weapons to defend themselves and claim back their properties when government fails to intervene.
Efforts to reach Koans Developer for his side version was not successful as some of his workers claim that his presence is very difficult to trace.
At pres time Nana told the correspondent he has earlier petitioned the relevant authorities for their interventions but to no avail.
Stay tuned.
M
