The farming community of Kyekyewere, situated between Suhum and Nsawam in the Ayensuano District of the Eastern Region, is currently facing a dire situation as more than 50 peasant farmers find themselves in distress due to the aggressive takeover and destruction of their cultivated lands by illicit sand miners.
These farmers had been diligently utilizing 50 acres of a 100-acre plot owned by Blue Skies Company Limited to cultivate various crops such as cassava, plantain, cabbage, and palm. However, their peaceful farming activities were abruptly disrupted when armed individuals, believed to be illegal sand miners, accompanied by land guards, forcefully encroached upon the farmland, causing extensive damage to the 50-acre plantation.
In a recount of the distressing ordeal to Citi News, the affected farmers revealed that the armed men claimed to have authorization from a local chief and proceeded to destroy their crops despite their protests. Some farmers expressed their dissatisfaction with the meager and non-negotiable compensation of GH¢2,000 that was offered to them for the significant destruction of their crops.
One farmer expressed dismay, stating, "They destroyed our cassava and plantain farm and started mining the sand. They also said they would compensate us for the damage, but they only gave us GH¢2000."
Meanwhile, Blue Skies Company Limited, the rightful landowners, is urgently calling upon the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akufo Dampare, to swiftly initiate an investigation and apprehend the unlawful sand miners and their accomplices. The company emphasized that such actions not only undermine investor trust and confidence but also have far-reaching negative impacts on the livelihoods of the affected farmers.
The distressing situation in Kyekyewere serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by local farmers and the urgent need for measures to safeguard their rights and livelihoods against illicit activities such as illegal sand mining. It is imperative for authorities to take decisive action to address this issue and ensure that justice is served for the affected farmers and landowners.
-By Maxwell Tetteh | GhanaCrimes
