Angry chiefs and youth of Akropong -Akuapem in Eastern region stormed site of a real estate developer for invading a sacred grove of Okuapeman.
The incensed youth and some Sub-chiefs clad in red arm band and headgears amid drumming and chanting of war song marched to the site under the authority of Okuapehene who is outside the jurisdiction of Ghana to stop the contractor.
Present at the site were Otoobuor Gyan Kwasi Aburihene and Adontenhene of Okuapeman, Okuapemhene Guantuahene Nana Kwame Odiabuor , Okuapehene Mmratohene, Kronti Abusuapanyin and State Secretary.
The sacred forest has historical, cultural and traditional significance to Akropong people.
The area is known as Amamprobi which was the first settlement area given to the ancestors of present day Akropong township who were from Akyem Abuakwa.
The descendants of Ofori Kuma stool settled at Amamprobi after the Abotakyi Accord in 17th century.
The area has since become sacred place where Paramount chiefs in Okuapeman are reportedly buried. It also serve as spiritual area where all major rituals including for the celebration of Odwira Festival are performed.
It is alleged that a chief in Abiriw-Akuapem sold portion of the land to the real estate developer without the knowledge of Okuapehene .
The real estate developer invaded the sacred area with two grader machines on Wednesday May 10, 2023 to start development on the land while Okuapehene had traveled to the USA.
Spokesperson for Okuapehene B.S Opoku said the area is not for sale neither for lease.
He said all necessary actions will be taken to stop the developer.
Meanwhile a citizen journalist operating Ofie TV in Akropong was nearly beaten to pulp Wednesday evening by a gang alleged to have been contracted by the CEO of Kingdom groups for reporting on the matter.
The CEO of Kingdom group of companies Mr. Jonathan Amofa said he acquired the land legally with all necessary documents obtained.
Source: Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
