The Gyaasehene of Bunso in the Akyem Abuakwa, Barfour Odi Asempa Amanfo-panin, has raised serious concerns over persistent attempts by illegal miners to encroach on lands belonging to the Bunso Cocoa College, insisting that the area is reserved strictly for research and teaching purposes.
According to the traditional leader, the Bunso Cocoa College lands serve as a strategic national hub for research, training, and development within Ghana’s cocoa sector and other agricultural initiatives. He stressed that mining activities in the area would undermine the purpose of the land and pose a serious threat to environmental sustainability.
Barfour Odi Asempa Amanfo-panin revealed that several mining companies and individuals have over the years attempted to gain access to the reserve lands using various means. However, he noted that the chiefs and custodians of Bunso lands have consistently rejected such offers.
He further alleged that some individuals are now invoking the name of the Board Chairman of the Ghana Cocoa Board, Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, in an attempt to justify mining activities within the reserve area.
The Gyaasehene, however, expressed confidence that Dr. Ofosu-Ampofo would not support any action that compromises the integrity of the Bunso Cocoa College lands.
“I strongly believe Dr. Ofosu-Ampofo will not compromise on the protection of these lands. He has demonstrated a strong commitment to safeguarding natural resources for the benefit of future generations,” he stated.
He explained that the designation of the land for research and teaching aligns with national goals of sustainable development and the protection of vital natural resources.
Barfour Odi Asempa Amanfo-panin disclosed that one mining company identified as Gold Empire had previously encroached on the Bunso lands but was reported to the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), which subsequently seized the company’s equipment.
However, he alleged that the same operators have returned and resumed activities in the area.
The Gyaasehene therefore appealed to the Government of Ghana to redeploy officials of NAIMOS to the Bunso Cocoa reserve lands to ensure strict protection of the area.
He warned that allowing illegal mining to continue on the lands would destroy livelihoods, degrade the environment, and undermine the long-term benefits the research facility offers to the nation.
Residents of Bunso have also expressed dissatisfaction with attempts to use the lands for mining, insisting that the area must remain dedicated to research, education, and agricultural development.
Barfour Odi Asempa Amanfo-panin concluded that protecting strategic national assets such as the Bunso Cocoa College lands is essential for safeguarding Ghana’s natural resources and securing a sustainable future for coming generations.
Story by Tweneboah Koduah.
