Seven cocoa farming communities in the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipality in the Western North Region have pledged to fight against the Ghana Bauxite Company’s takeover of 2,700 acres of productive cocoa farmland for a bauxite refinery.
The affected communities—Atronsu, Awaso, Bobrapa, Kwaaffumkrom, Apenkrom, Kwaadjeikrom, and Asukokokrom—are protesting what they see as an illegal land seizure.
The company, in collaboration with traditional leaders in Sehwi Awaso, has announced plans to use the farmland for the refinery project, which has raised tensions. Red bands have been placed on some farms, marking the company’s intention to take control.
In response, the cocoa farmers have warned they will strongly resist, even considering armed conflict, to protect their livelihoods.
The farmers are calling on the government, Ghana Cocoa Board, and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to step in and stop the takeover.
Andrews Asare, chairman of the Atronsu Nkanbom Cocoa Cooperative, has also appealed to the authorities to safeguard the farmers and their land.
