Mr. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Effutu, has reassured constituents that the Yenku Forest Reserve remains unsold and will not be subjected to mining activities.
Speaking to members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Effutu Constituency after a peace walk in Winneba, Afenyo-Markin emphasized the sacred nature of the forest.
“As long as I remain the MP for the area, and even if I am no longer the MP, I will not sit down unconcerned for it to be sold for mining activities,” he declared, addressing concerns about the potential sale of the forest for lithium mining.
The Yenku Forest Reserve holds cultural significance, as it is the area where the people of Effutu traditionally hunt live deer for the Aboakyer Festival.
Afenyo-Markin used the occasion to dispel propaganda suggesting the sale of the forest, attributing it to opposition members in the constituency.
The Deputy Majority Leader stressed the importance of fostering development through non-divisive partisan politics. “Partisan politics must foster development to better the lots of the citizenry and not to create divisions,” he stated.
The peace walk aimed to diffuse tensions and reassure residents that the forest had not been sold for mining. Afenyo-Markin encouraged constituents to support individuals contesting district elections and work collectively for the betterment of the area.
He also addressed the youth's aspirations to join the security services, advising patience and skills improvement to facilitate the recruitment process.
Alhaji Zubairu Kassim, the Effutu Municipal Chief Executive, highlighted the government's good intentions for the people's well-being.
He urged the youth to unite, support the government, and collaborate with Afenyo-Markin to ensure the area receives its fair share of development.
