Farmers expressed concern about indiscriminate felling of trees

Akim Asuom (Eastern Region) - Farmers at Akim-Asuom in the East Akim District have complained of indiscriminate felling of trees and the mass destruction of farm crops by the Oda Sawmills Company Limited causing incalculable loss to them.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency at Akim Asuom on Wednesday, a spokesman of the farmers, Kwadjo Sarpong expressed shock and dismay about the activities of the company in the area.

According to him, the Oda Sawmills Company had resorted to the indiscriminate felling of ceiba and other trees, destroying large acres of farm produce without any form of compensation to the affected farmers.

Farm crops destroyed include oil palm, cocoa, cassava, cocoyam and citrus. A victim, Opanyin Kofi Agyapong complained bitterly about the mass destruction of his two-hectare citrus farm, which formed the base of his livelihood.

Sarpong said if the situation did not improved them the farmers would have to advise themselves. He called for adequate compensation for felling of trees like ceiba and the re-planting of the felled trees to serve as wind brakes. There should be a compromise between the company and the community with regards to the mode of operation, he stressed.