Seven cocoa farming communities in the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipality of the Western North Region have vowed to resist the Ghana Bauxite Company over the forced takeover of 2,700 acres of productive cocoa farmlands for a bauxite refinery station.
The affected communities—Atronsu, Awaso, Bobrapa, Kwaaffumkrom, Apenkrom, Kwaadjeikrom, and Asukokokrom—have raised concerns over what they describe as an unlawful seizure of their lands.
The company, through traditional leaders in Sehwi Awaso, has communicated its intention to use the farmlands for the refinery project, leading to heightened tensions. Red bands have already been placed on some farms, signaling the company’s takeover plans.
In response, the cocoa farmers have warned of strong resistance, including possible armed confrontation, to prevent the destruction of their livelihoods.
The farmers have called on the government, Ghana Cocoa Board, and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to intervene and halt the takeover.
The chairman of the Atronsu Nkanbom Cocoa Cooperative, Andrews Asare, has also appealed to relevant authorities to protect the farmers and their farmlands from destruction.