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Woodworkers at the Sokoban Wood Village in the Ashanti Region have vowed to confront alleged thugs who have encroached on a portion of their land, released by the Asantehene for expansion purposes.
The disputed 14-acre land, earmarked for redevelopment, has become a flashpoint after claims of estate development surfaced. Despite securing an interlocutory injunction to halt activities on the land, demolition and clearing activities continue unabated.
Speaking at a press briefing, Eric Mensah Nyadjor, an executive member of the Sokoban Wood Village Workers Association, accused Nana Kwaku Duah, Taasehene of Asaago, of mobilising heavy machinery to clear the land, allegedly in defiance of the court order.
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“Nana Kwaku Duah has unlawfully brought in bulldozers, excavators, and graders, destroying properties and threatening livelihoods in blatant disregard of the court’s directive,” Nyadjor stated.
He warned that the continuous flouting of the injunction and the presence of armed land guards could escalate tensions into a violent confrontation.
“The ongoing provocation has deeply aggrieved our members. If these unlawful actions persist, retaliation is highly likely, leading to disturbances,” he cautioned.
The woodworkers are appealing to the Ghana Police Service, the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC), and National Security to intervene and enforce the court’s directive.
“It is critical that authorities step in to stop the harassment of woodworkers and the destruction of properties. The encroached land was solely designated for the redevelopment of the wood village,” Nyadjor emphasised.
The workers have accused local traditional authorities of illegally selling portions of the land, further fuelling the dispute.
Meanwhile, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly has indicated ongoing discussions with traditional authorities to restore calm and resolve the conflict amicably.
The Sokoban Wood Village serves as a hub for woodworking in the region, and its members have expressed their determination to protect the land allocated for their expansion, urging swift action to prevent a potential clash.
