There are brewing tensions emanating from Asamang Tamfoe, one of the major towns in the Atiwa East District of the Eastern Region.
Chiefs and farmers are demanding the immediate arrest of a Galamsey Kingpin who’s causing massive destruction to farmlands and environmental degradation in the area.
The illegal miner, identified as Abeiku, a supposed – nephew to the Chief of Ankaase, has allegedly taken over about 13 hectares of farmland for illegal mining, claiming the land belongs to the chief of Ankaase, his uncle.
During a Press Conference, the chief of Asamang Tamfoe ,Osabarima Kwame Koh and his kinsmen denounced this claim, arguing that the land is under their traditional authority.
”He has to be taken on and the right thing must be done. The police and other security agencies must come in and ascertain the facts for themselves so that the right thing can be done”.
The chief said that he’s very much worried about the situation but insisted that he does not want to take matters into his own hands
“I am very very much worried but we don’t want the spill of blood either than that we would have taken them on but I want to take the right process and I want everything go according to the rule of law of this co. They can never claim Asamang lands to be theirs”.
The situation turned sour when some of the over 70 affected farmers stormed the illegal mining site to confront Abeiku and his workers.
Meanwhile, sensing a possible security operation against his activities, Abeiku has filed a lawsuit at the Koforidua High Court against Ernest Owusu Ntim, the recently nominated District Chief Executive (DCE), and several community leaders who were part of a community mining initiative in the area.
In the suit, he accuses them of attempting to take over the disputed farmlands bordering Asamang Tamfoe and Ankaase under the guise of community mining.
The affected farmers are calling for swift intervention by law enforcement to prevent further tension and protect their livelihoods.
