Bunso Cocoa College Lands Not Meant for Mining, Gyaasehene Appeals to Government
The Gyaasehene of Bunso in the Akyem Abuakwa area of the Eastern Region, Barfour Odi Asempa Amanfo-panin, has expressed concern over the increasing attempts by illegal miners to encroach on the Bunso Cocoa College lands reserved for research and teaching purposes.
In a press conference, Barfour Odi Asempa stated that despite the college’s rejection of offers from mining companies and individuals, some people are using the name of Dr. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, Board Chairman of Ghana’s Cocobod, to invade the reserve lands.
“We are of the strong conviction that Dr. Ofosu Ampofo will not compromise on the protection of natural resources for the benefit of future generations,” he said.
According to him, one mining company, Gold Empire, had consistently encroached on the Bunso land, and despite being reported to NAIMOS and having their equipment seized, has resumed operations.
Barfour Odi Asempa appealed to the government to bring back NAIMOS to protect the Bunso Cocoa reserve lands, warning that livelihoods will be destroyed if illegal miners are allowed to invade the land.
Residents also expressed their dissatisfaction with the use of Bunso land for mining purposes.
The Gyaasehene emphasized that the protection of natural resources for future generations is a key priority and urged the government to ensure that land use decisions are made with care, responsibility, and a focus on sustainable development.
Source: Tweneboah Koduah
