Manso Afɛdeɛ, a farming community in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region, has been plunged into despair after acres of cassava and plantain farms belonging to more than 50 farmers were allegedly destroyed by guards from the Bekwai Forestry Commission. The farmers, who depend entirely on their crops for survival, have called on the government to urgently intervene to protect their livelihoods and bring an end to what they describe as unjust actions by the forestry officials.
Farmers lamented that years of investment had been wiped out within hours, adding that the destruction has left families with no means of sustaining themselves. Others said the exercise has created fear and panic in the community, with many now uncertain about the future of their farming activities.
Speaking to OTEC FM newsmen in an interview Nana Kwaku Agyapong, the Nkosuohene of Manso Afɛdeɛ, strongly condemned the alleged actions of the forest guards, describing them as unacceptable. He stressed that the government must intervene immediately to address the matter and prevent further destruction.
Some of the aggrieved farmers also appealed to the government to come to their aid and caution the Bekwai Forestry guards to stop what they are doing. According to them, while they are not against forestry regulations, they deserve consideration and time to harvest their crops instead of experiencing sudden destruction.
“They have cut down all our cassava and plantain. We are not against the law, but they should give us some time rather than destroying everything overnight,” farmers pleaded.
