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A land dispute in Akyem Ayisikrom, Upper West Akyem District, took a tragic turn when a suspected land guard fatally shot 27-year-old farmer Theophilus Della Tugba.
The incident, which has sent shockwaves through the local farming community, reportedly occurred during a forceful takeover of ancestral farmland that has sustained generations.
According to peasant farmers who spoke to Adom News, the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council allegedly sold the disputed land to a private developer.
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This sale has led to mass evictions and growing tensions, culminating in the deadly confrontation that claimed Theophilus’ life.
At a press conference, the displaced farmers expressed their outrage over the destruction of 7,000 acres of crops by the estate developer. The loss has been devastating, as farmers relied on these lands for their livelihood.
Among the destroyed crops were cocoa, palm fruits, pawpaw, oranges, plantains, cassava, and cocoyams—key staples that sustain not only the local economy but also national agricultural production. The affected farmers have called for immediate government intervention to halt further destruction and provide necessary support to those impacted.
Meanwhile, Benet Kwasi Adu, President of the West Akyem Cooperative Cocoa Farmers Association, has raised alarms over the growing threats to cocoa farms.
He highlighted the destructive effects of galamsey (illegal mining), rubber plantations, and sand mining on the country’s cocoa production.
Mr. Adu has made an urgent appeal to authorities to take decisive action against these activities, emphasising the need to safeguard cocoa farms from further encroachment and destruction.
The tragic killing of Theophilus Della Tugba has intensified calls for justice and action from both local and national authorities.
The farmers insist that their rights and livelihoods must be protected, urging the government to step in and address the issue before more lives and livelihoods are lost.
As the community mourns the loss of a young farmer, the larger battle over land ownership, economic survival, and environmental sustainability continues to unfold, demanding urgent and fair resolution.
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