Three arrested for seizing rice farms at Afife

Dzodze, May 11, GNA - The Dzodze Police has arrested three people for seizing farms at the Afife rice irrigation fields on behalf of about 70 others calling themselves deprived citizens. Israel Monyo, Chairman of the deprived citizens, Emmanuel Dunyo, Secretary and Pele Kunyigba, member have so far annexed 40 hectares of farms and hoisted red flags on it. The group, which has been demanding farms on the 880 hectare project, blamed the authorities for allotting large farm holdings to some individuals including non-indigenes who did not suffer any consequence arising from the project. Days before their arrest, Monyo told the group at Sanefukope that they were demanding redistribution of the farms to compensate the locals. Mr Kofi Lawson, Ketu North District Chief Executive, said the issues were being considered for redress and accused the group of being over-zealous. He said their approach was affecting farming activities on the rice fields. Mr Akwasi Asafo-Agyei, Dzodze District Police Commander, said the three were being prepared for court for trespassing and offensive conduct. Meanwhile tension is increasing among other members of the group who were against the arrest of their leaders "for fighting a legitimate cause". 11 May 10