Aggrieved Youth of Amoaman call for action against massive encroachment of Barekese forest Reserve

Youth of Amoaman, a community located within the Atwima Nwabiagya North district are peeved by the delayed execution of action by authorities against the ongoing encroachment of forest reserve situated around the Barekese Dam.

Acres of forest land which years ago carpeted the water banks have been deforested and converted into cocoa plantation, causing about 80 percent reduction of the forest cover.

Addressing the media on Tuesday, 30th July, 2024 right after an inspection of the level of damage by officers from the forestry Commission and NADMO, the aggrieved youth hinted that some areas within the reserve have also been sold out to private developers.

Spokesperson for the group, Asuo Afram lamented bitterly over the situation, saying that the illegal activities which have gained a full swing pose serious threat that can lead to water crisis.

He indicated that, they have petitioned officers of the Forestry Commission, Ghana Water Company and the Atwima Nwabiagya North District Assembly on the matter but the trio have hitherto failed to address the situation.

He therefore pleaded on the Overlord of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to address the matter for them.

Inspection

During the inspection by forestry and NADMO officials, some of the farmers upon interrogation claimed they are privy to the fact that the area is a forest reserve.

One of them who identified himself as Elder Joseph Dabaa said he commenced farming within the enclave in the year 2016.

“I am so much aware that this place is a forest reserve and for that reason I questioned  persons who gave out the land to me that in case government makes demand for the land in the future what will they do for me?

In fact they did not give me a tangible answer”.

Elder Joseph Dabaa disclosed that he acquired the land from two women, who presently are residents of Asuofua.

He gave their names as Esther and Amoanimaa.

Forestry Officer

Forest Plantation officer, Kofi Arhin after the inspection expressed worry over how the place has been taken over by cocoa plantation.

He pledged to ensure that the necessary action is taken against persons involved in the act so as to preserve the water body.