Trouble Brews At Kyekyewere

Property worth over millions of cedis has been destroyed by policemen called in to maintain peace when the villagers of Kyekyewere in the Western Region were demanding compensation from Abosso Goldfields Limited for destroying their farm products.

Investigation conducted by the Chronicle revealed that though Abosso Goldfields paid an allowance of ?3million to a number of households for their houses that were destroyed, the mining company decided not to relocate their farms, thus creating a furore among a section of the community.

The regional Minister, Mr. John Boahen Aidoo, in a meeting told the farmers that the farm compensation would come only if they promised to vacate the land, which the farmers vowed not to do so.

Chronicle learnt that the company was able to sway the traditional rulers of the area to support them against the demand of the people.

The Human Resources manager of Abosso Goldfields, who is the son of the chief in the community, Nana Benekoampah II, is alleged to be one of the brains behind the suffering of the farmers.

Chronicle gathered that the farmers reported the issue to their society, Fiaseman Co-operative Pineapple Growers Society.

In an interview with the executive secretary of the society, Mr. Kwaa Arku-Korsah, he told the Chronicle that the families of the victims are stranded, as most of them come from other regions to farm in Kyekyewere.

He added that their living conditions are very pathetic and need an instantaneous attention.

Arku-Korsah noted that the company has played a very high trick to deceive the poor farmers by giving compensation for their household and later telling the them the company can not compensate them any more.

He revealed that Abosso Goldfields Limited is currently sold to Goldfields Ghana Limited, based at Tarkwa, adding that Abosso Goldfields has paid policemen to harass the farmers till they quit the land.

The secretary said the society has submitted an urgent letter to managing directors of both mining companies to resolve the issue they are yet to show concern.

He said the society has already reported the issue to the President, John Agyekum Kufuor, and the Inspector General of Police.

Arku-Korsah appealed to Parliament and members of the Council of State to assist them in solving this issue.