Wood workers at Sokoban Wood Village in Kumasi threaten to face off with encroachers

Wood workers at Sokoban Wood Village have threatened to face off with purported thugs who have taken over a portion of their land.

The wood workers argued that the over 14 acre-land was released by the Asantehene for the purposes of expansion, thus, they will not allow anyone to claim ownership on grounds of estate development.

Though the wood workers have secured an Interlocutory Injunction to halt ongoing works on the encroached portion, demolition and clearing activities on the land is ongoing.

Addressing the media, Executive Member of Sokoban Wood Village Workers Association, Eric Mensah Nyadjor indicated that, the flouting of the court order could lead to a violent clash between the wood workers and the armed land guards if care is not taken.

He alleged that, “Nana Kwaku Duah, Taasehene of Asaago, has unlawfully mobilized bulldozers, excavators, and graders, destroying properties and disrupting livelihoods in clear contravention of the court’s directive.

“This behavior not only undermines the rule of law but also places innocent lives at risk. The continuous provocation has left the Sokoban Wood Village Workers Association deeply aggrieved, and tensions are rising among our members. Should these unlawful actions persist, there is a high likelihood of retaliation, which could lead to disturbances”, Eric Mensah Nyadjor warned.

The wood workers are appealing for a swift intervention to prevent a potential conflict between them and the traditional authorities in the area, who have been accused of selling part of the land.

“The Ghana Police Service, Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC), and the National Security should urgently step in and ensure that the court’s injunction is respected and enforced. It is imperative to immediately stop the further harassment of wood workers and destruction of properties.

The wood workers lament, the encroached part was meant solely for redevelopment of the wood village.

 

The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, however indicated it is in talks with the traditional authorities to restore peace.

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