Residents of Duayeden Nyanawase in the Nsawam Adoagyiri Municipality of the Eastern Region have taken to the streets to protest against the Okyenhene Taskforce, accusing them of forcefully selling their farm lands to estate developers.
The residents claim that contractors and landowners, allegedly mandated by Okyenhene, have been harassing and violating their properties, using guns and other offensive weapons.
Other communities within the region particularly Asuboi, Mankron, Amamase among others, have suffered similar intimidation from taskforce of the Akim monarch, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin.
Though, Okyenhene claims knowing nothing about the development, he has refused to call to other the perpetrators, signaling his silent consent to the development.
According to Nana Kwasi Awere Gyaasehene of Duayeden Nyanawase, the community relies heavily on farming, producing essential food crops like maize, cassava, and plantains.
The residents fear that if the forceful sale of land continues, the municipality will suffer from food deficiency.
The assembly man for the area, Hon. Stanley Hans Ofori, warned that if the situation persists, the people of Duayeden will become jobless, burdening the government and municipal assembly. He appealed to the authorities to investigate and stop the illegal land sales.
The residents are calling on President John Dramani Mahama, the Nsawam police commander, and the Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, to intervene and address their concerns.
The protest highlights the growing tensions between local communities and authorities over land ownership and usage.
