We Can’t Go for Food – Farmers Angry as Helicopter Crash Investigations in Forest Keep Them from Their Farms

Farmers in parts of the Ashanti Region have expressed deep frustration over restrictions placed on their farmlands following the recent helicopter crash in a nearby forest. The restrictions, imposed to facilitate ongoing investigations, have cut off several communities from accessing their primary source of food and income.

According to a Joy News report, some farmlands located within the crash perimeter have been cordoned off, with security officers stationed to prevent entry. This has left many local farmers unable to harvest their crops or tend to their fields, forcing them to rely on street vendors for food.

One resident, speaking on August 8, described the hardship they now face. “Now we buy food from the street shops. Rice, gari, among others, are what we buy. If they allow us into the farms, we will be able to harvest our foodstuff,” the farmer lamented, adding that the prices of food in the area have surged due to the sudden demand.

The helicopter crash, which shocked the community, prompted authorities to seal off the site and its surroundings to preserve potential evidence. An Investigative Board of Inquiry has since been established to determine the cause of the incident, which remains unknown at this stage.

The Member of Parliament for Akrofrom, Joseph Azumah, has appealed to residents to remain patient and cooperate fully with investigators. He acknowledged the economic impact of the restrictions but stressed that uncovering the truth about the crash was crucial for the safety of all.

“These investigations are important to ensure such an incident never happens again,” Mr. Azumah stated. “I know this is affecting livelihoods, but I plead with everyone to support the process.”

Meanwhile, residents are calling for a swift conclusion to the investigations so that they can regain access to their lands and resume farming activities before their crops perish. For many, the delay poses not only a threat to their household food security but also their income for the coming months.

As the community waits, the tension between the urgent needs of local farmers and the demands of the investigation continues to grow, with both sides hoping for a resolution that will safeguard lives while restoring livelihoods.