Farmers and residents of Kuntunso, a farming community within the Techiman Traditional Area of the Bono East Region, have staged a protest over the alleged illegal sale of their farmlands by the Hansuahene.
The aggrieved farmers submitted a petition to the Techimanhene through the Techiman Kontire Royal Family, whom they recognize as their traditional landlords, calling for urgent intervention to stop the alleged land sales and restore their means of livelihood.
According to the protesters, their farmlands were destroyed by unknown persons some time ago. However, they claim subsequent investigations linked both the destruction and the alleged sale of the lands to the Hansuahene.
Most of the affected farmers, who are predominantly women, expressed grave concern about the impact of the situation on their livelihoods and the education of their children. They said the loss of farmland has severely affected their ability to meet basic household needs and pay school fees.
During the demonstration, personnel from the Ghana Police Service were deployed to maintain law and order. The police escorted the protesters through the principal streets of Kuntunso as they marched peacefully to the Kuntunso Palace to present their petition.
The petition was received on behalf of the Techiman Kontire Royal Family by Nana Kwadwo Yeboah, who assured the demonstrators that their concerns would be forwarded to the Techimanhene for consideration and appropriate action.
Nana Kwadwo Yeboah stated that steps are being taken to engage all relevant parties to ensure a thorough examination of the matter and a resolution that restores calm and protects the interests of the affected farmers. He appealed to the protesters to remain calm and allow traditional processes to take their course, assuring them of the commitment of the Techiman Traditional Area’s leadership to handle the issue fairly and transparently.
Story: Nyamebeye Kofi Ansah Sasraku