A resident of the Asuaba community in Upper West Akyem District in the Eastern Region, identified as Yaa Asantewaa and popularly known as Getty, has sparked outrage among chiefs in Akyem Abuakwa for labelling Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin and the Okyeman Land Protection taskforce as criminal gangs.
Her remarks followed the communities’ dissatisfaction over the seizure and destruction of 6000 acres of farmlands by the task force in the area.
Addressing a press conference on behalf of approximately 20 affected communities, Getty expressed profound discontent over the forceful takeover of their farmlands and the subsequent devastation of agricultural fields.
She condemned the actions of the Okyeman taskforce accusing them of intimidation and illegal activities.
“On behalf of 20 affected communities gathered here this morning, the various media houses present, we greet you with pain and heavy hearts. Ladies and gentlemen of the press, we are dressed in red and black clothes not because one is bereaved or mourning but rather because the pain regards the forced seizure of our lands through intimidation by Okyenhene and his criminal elements”
She continued ” It will interest you to note that as we speak the Okyenhene and his gang of criminals led by one ex-convict Nana Baah Akwansrah popularly known as Haruna to illegally breaking and destroying more than 6,000 acres of farmlands ranging from palm plantations, coconut plantations, pawpaw plantations, cassava farms, and cocoa farms. The rest are maize farms, cabbage farms, sugarcane farms, yam farms, and many more,” she stated.
Getty’s statements, particularly branding the Okyenhene and the task force as criminal gangs, have elicited strong reactions from some traditional rulers in Akyem Abuakwa.
The Kyebi-Apapam Akwansrahene, Nana Baffuor Kwabena Baah, has ordered her to traditionally apologize to the Okyenhene else will be arrested by the Ghana Police Service for what he deemed a misguided statement.
According to Nana Baffuor Kwabena Baah, the Asuaba community and its environs fall under the jurisdiction of the Akyem Abuakwa traditional area which belongs to the Okyenhene.
He added that the allegations made by Getty are baseless and detrimental to the reputation of the traditional leadership.
Following the intense backlash and purported attempts to apprehend her, Getty has reportedly fled the community and gone into hiding to avoid arrest.