Tension is escalating in Sekyekrom and nearby communities in the Akwamu Traditional Area of the Nsawam-Adoagyiri Municipality in the Eastern Region over a disputed parcel of land.
Residents of Kwasi Nyarko, Afum Krom, Maame Dede, Otouase, Kwafokrom and other surrounding communities say they are living in fear following alleged attacks linked to the dispute.
The residents claim persons they describe as landguards have been involved in attempts to take over community farmlands, with some farmers allegedly attacked in the process.
The disputed lands are reportedly being used for sand-winning and quarrying activities, further heightening tensions between residents and persons allegedly working on behalf of an estate developer.
Peasant farmers in the affected communities say the dispute is threatening both their safety and livelihoods.
Speaking at a news conference, the Queen Mother of Sekyekrom, Nana Agyakwabea Acheampomaa III, appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, and the government to urgently intervene.
She alleged that community lands were being forcefully taken over and called for immediate action to protect residents and their livelihoods.
Some opinion leaders in the affected communities have also appealed to the Akwamuhene, Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III, the Eastern Regional Security Council and other relevant authorities to intervene.
They said the alleged sand-winning and quarrying activities on their farmlands had created growing tensions between residents and individuals allegedly operating on behalf of an estate developer.
The opinion leaders further maintained that Sekyekrom and the surrounding communities have, since time immemorial, remained under the authority of the Akwamu Paramount Stool.
They are therefore calling for urgent intervention to resolve the land dispute and restore calm to the affected communities.
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