News:
April 25, 2013
The Member of Parliament for Ayensuano in the Eastern Region, Ayeh-Paye Samuel has expressed worry about a development in the Otoase community which is creating a lot of insecurity in the area.
According to him, some faceless people who claim to have acquired mining concession from government to establish quarry site at Otoase community are trying to pull down houses belonging to residents to make way for the project without offering any alternative housing for those whose houses have been earmarked for demolishing.
He said Mountain Korang which is to be used for the quarry is where River Pra takes it source, and River Pra is the main source of water for the community, adding that any destruction to the mountain will have dire consequences for residents.
The MP indicated that about three months ago, some people including two Chinese and armed military men arrived in the community with bulldozers to commence operation by demolishing some houses. they were however restricted by angry residents who drew the attention of the Nsawam Police who came to arrest the Chinese and seized the bulldozers.
He said on the eve of Easter, a crime investigator from the Nsawam Police Station came to arrest the queen mother and other influential people in the community for their involvement in truncating progress of the project but he intervened and they had to report at a later date.
According to him, their check from the Minerals commission revealed that Mountain Korang had not been given out for quarry, while the Okyehene, the paramount Chief of the Abuakwa State also denied any knowledge of such concession indicating that no individual has the right to offer such concessions to any company or individual.
Mr. Ayeh-Paye is therfore calling on the Minerals Commision and government to come clean on the issue and more importantly calling on the police to ensure regular patrol and protection for residents gainst any intruder.
Dominic Shirimori/Ghanamps.com