By Deborah Pofara Luu
Obuoho and Obuoho Fante youth in the Ayensuano District of the Eastern Region are protesting the Forestry Commission’s burning of excavators, deeming it unlawful.
Donning red and black attire, the demonstrators are calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the personnel responsible for destroying the excavators.
Last week, officials from the Forestry Commission’s Rapid Unit allegedly set ablaze four excavators in the community, claiming they were being used to invade the Atewa Forest and the Ayensu River.
The protesting youth deny these allegations, asserting they did not invade the Atewa Forest for illegal mining.
They are appealing to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akufo Dampare, and the National Security Coordinator for intervention, urging the arrest and prosecution of the Forestry Commission officers whose actions they say were not sanctioned by the president.
Adu-Gyamfi Douglas, Assembly Member for Anum Apapamu North, supports the youth’s demands, warning that a halt to small-scale mining could lead to a rise in social vices within the community.
According to Citi News, Douglas stated, “If the small-scale mining seize, it is going to affect the community”.
He also noted that “My checks indicate that one site can employ 50 people so with the two sites here, it means about 100 people work here”.
The Eastern Regional Minister has reportedly responded to the incident by visiting Ayensuano. Tensions are high in the Obuoho-Fante community following the excavator burning.
