The Paramount Chief of the Sakote Traditional Area, Naba Sigiri Bewong, has urged security agencies to take immediate action against foreigners engaging in illegal activities in forest reserves within his jurisdiction.
The chief’s plea comes amid growing concerns over the destruction of forest reserves and water bodies in the area. According to Naba Bewong, foreigners have invaded the forest, engaging in illegal mining on the Red Volta River and destroying the forest along the river by cutting down economic trees.
He emphasized that neither he nor his community elders were aware of the foreigners’ presence in the forest, underscoring the urgency of addressing the issue.
“There are foreigners in our forest. That is my Tindaana—he doesn’t know anything about them. I equally know nothing about them, yet they are destroying the Red Volta and clearing the forest. This issue is a security matter, and they should be flushed out. Their activities are illegal, and action should be taken. That is what we are asking for.”
“And I am told they pay heavily to some chiefs. I say if any chief is involved, arrest him because it is illegal.”
Naba Sigiri Bewong raised these concerns during a visit by the Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri, who was at the palace to formally introduce himself to the chief and people of Sakote.
In response, the Regional Minister assured that he would collaborate with security agencies, particularly the Immigration Service, to take immediate action.
Source: A1Radioonline.Com | 101.1MHz | David Azure | Sakote
