4th April 2024
A meeting was held between Ecoplanet, stakeholders, and Abrewapong farmers on 9th February And was Adjourned to Today 4th April.
COMMENCEMENT
The meeting commenced at 10:00 am with a short prayer said by Mr. Gideon Buabin.
INTRODUCTION OF MEMBERS
The Municipal Coordinating Director, Mr Asamoah Damoah asked Members to introduce themselves, which the Members did.
OPENING REMARKS BY THE MUNICIPAL CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Hon. Francis Oti Boateng welcomed Members and briefed the House on the purpose of the meeting.
He stated that he was very concerned over the mounting tension between the farmers and the Ecoplanet Bamboo company at Abrewapong.
This has necessitated today’s meeting to hear from both sides and find a lasting solution to this simmering tension.
He stated, that there was a need for the Forestry Commission to provide legal documents of Ecoplanet ownership of the compartment as well as the farmers. This will help the committee to make a firm decision on the matter to ensure peace between both parties.
The house unanimously agreed to the assertions made by the Municipal Chief Executive about the Forestry Commission providing all lease documents of ownership of the compartment.
FORESTRY COMMISSION RESPONSE TO MCE ASSERTION.
The Representative from the Forestry Commission applauded the MCE for his quick response in organizing the meeting to find a solution to this simmering tension. She stated that before land could be given to an entity, the Forestry Commission had to consult the town’s chiefs, including the Assembly, before the land would be given out. The Chiefs and Forestry Commission has to append their signatures to all documents.
In the same vein, Ecoplanet Bamboo West Africa has all the legal documents, and the documents are with the Forestry Commission.
She also promised to provide all the leased documents to the Assembly and the Traditional Council as requested.
REMARKS BY TRADITIONAL COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES AND ABREWAPONG HENE.
The Traditional Council representatives also unanimously agreed to the assertions made by the Municipal Chief Executive. They stated that the provision of the legal document by the Forestry Commission would not be the conclusion but rather the way forward in establishing peace between both parties.
The Traditional Council also requested that the Forestry Commission serve them with the necessary documents as well, since a committee had been formed at the Traditional Council level to look into the matter.
Nana Adusei Poku, the Chief of Abrewapong, underscored the unwavering stance of the community against the purported actions of the Eco Planet Bamboo Company. He emphasized that even though the company might have the legal leased documents, sometimes their activities pose a direct threat to the well-being of his people and their way of life since most of them are farmers in plantain cultivation. He also added that the situation has drawn the attention of some stakeholders, with the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Asante Akim North Municipal Assembly, Francis Oti Boateng visiting the Community, acknowledging the gravity of the issue.
Nana Adusei Poku in his last statement, pleaded with the farmers to exercise patience while they wait for the Forestry Commission to provide all the necessary legal documents.
REMARKS BY THE FARMERS.
Owusu Ansah a farmer, voiced his concerns to the committee, stating that, any attempt to jeopardize their livelihoods in favor of the company will not go down well with them since farming on this land has sustained their families for generations through the cultivation of plantain. He pleaded with the Municipal Assembly and the traditional council to come to their aid.
RESOLUTIONS MADE
After a lengthy discussion, the House unanimously agreed to the following resolutions;
1. The meeting adjourned to the 27th of February, 2024.
2. Ecoplanet Bamboo West Africa should halt all activities in that compartment for now.
3. The farmers should desist from cultivating new plantain.
RESOLUTION (II)
The meeting which had been adjourned by the house was later organized on Thursday, 4th of April, 2024 with the Assembly staff, Ecoplanet staff, the Farmers, and the Hon. Andy Appiah-Kubi (MP) present, and the following resolutions were made;
1. The farmers should continue farming on the land for now
2. A committee should be formed to address individual concerns
3. The meeting will be held again by next year.
4. Ecoplanet should not cut down the farmer’s plantation
5. Both parties should work in harmony.
Member of Parliament CLOSING REMARKS.
The Municipal Chief in his closing remarks emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and urged the farmers not to take matters into their own hands.
