Assin Kumasi farmers protest sand-winning activities over farm destruction

Tensions have reached a boiling point in Assin Kumasi, located in the Central Region, as local farmers launch protests against ongoing sand-winning activities. The farmers allege that these operations are systematically destroying vital cocoa and cassava plantations, which serve as the primary source of livelihood for many families in the community. The dispute has drawn in traditional leaders and sparked fears of a broader conflict if the situation is not addressed by regional authorities.

The protesting farmers claim that the sand-winning operators entered their lands and began clearing crops without seeking their consent or offering any form of compensation. Supported by several traditional leaders, the group has demanded an immediate cessation of all activities on the disputed sites. Nana Kwaku Apew II, the Chief of Assin Kumasi, has joined the call for intervention, accusing certain local individuals of facilitating the encroachment on communal lands for private gain.

In response to the allegations, the Chief Executive Officer of Eagle Rich Company, the firm at the center of the controversy, has robustly defended the operations. The CEO stated that the company is acting within its legal rights, having secured all necessary lease agreements and proper documentation from the relevant regulatory bodies. According to the company, the activities are part of a legitimate commercial venture that has followed the established administrative procedures for land acquisition and mineral extraction.

Despite these claims of legality, the local farming community remains resolute in its opposition, citing the irreversible damage to the soil and the loss of perennial crops like cocoa. Community members have warned that the current standoff could escalate further if a neutral mediation process is not initiated to reconcile the company's permits with the farmers' land rights. Local authorities are now being urged to investigate the validity of the company’s documentation and ensure that the rights of indigenous farmers are protected under national land-use policies.