Winneba – The Member of Parliament (MP) for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has strongly refuted allegations surrounding the supposed sale of the sacred forest utilized for deer hunting during the annual Aboakyire festival.
He assured constituents of his unwavering commitment to preserving the forest.
Protests erupted in Winneba on Tuesday, December 5, as some residents took to the streets to express their disapproval of the rumoured sale of the Ramsar site to Green Metal Resources Limited for mining purposes.
Led by James Kofi Annan, the founder of the non-governmental organization Challenging Heights, the demonstration aimed to oppose any leases, permits, or concessions granted to Green Metal Resources for mining activities.
Responding to these concerns, MP Afenyo-Markin categorically denied claims of leasing the forest to the company.
He confirmed that he verified the matter with relevant authorities, who assured him that no leases had been issued.
In an interview on Eyewitness News, Mr Afenyo-Markin addressed the people of Effutu, both locally and abroad, affirming that the sacred forest remains an integral part of the Aboakyire festival and will continue to serve as a hunting ground.
“I am unaware of any lease granting. I have checked with them, they said they won't do it. And I want to assure the people of Effutu, those abroad, and those in Winneba that the sacred forest is a hunting ground for our festival. I want to assure you that I will do everything to protect the forest the way I met it.”
