A group of aggrieved farmers from Sehwi Bodi in the Western North Region staged a protest on Monday to express their frustrations over the government's failure to compensate them for their lands, which were acquired for the construction of a hospital under the Agenda 111 project.
The farmers, who had willingly released their farmlands for the construction of the hospital in anticipation of compensation, accused the government of neglecting their concerns and failing to fulfill its promises.
The land, which formed the primary source of livelihood for these farmers, was cleared for the project over three years ago, yet the promised compensation has not been disbursed.
Clad in red headbands and armbands, the demonstrators marched through the streets of Sehwi Bodi, chanting slogans and wielding placards with inscriptions such as "Our Land, Our Livelihood," "Pay Us Our Due," and "Government, Honor Your Promises."
Some of the affected people explained that they had been patient for too long, despite several attempts to engage with authorities. They indicated that they are not against the construction of the hospital.
It is a much-needed facility that will benefit the community, but they can't sit by and watch their families suffer while the government turns a blind eye to their compensation.
The Agenda 111 project, a flagship initiative by the government, aims to improve healthcare infrastructure by constructing 111 hospitals across the country.
While the hospital at Sehwi Bodi is still under construction, tensions are mounting as the farmers continue to face financial difficulties due to the loss of their farms.
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for the Bodi District, Ignatius Akwasi Amankwa, addressing the concerns of the demonstrators, urged calm and assured them that steps were being taken to resolve the issue.
However, he declined to speak to the media on tape.
Latest Stories
-
One student per tablet policy: More tablets for Ashanti Region Schools
1 hour -
BOSAG officially unveiled; positioning Ghana as Africa’s premier BPO destination
1 hour -
Gold Fields may sell smaller mines in Ghana after Osisko acquisition
2 hours -
Nigeria plans $28bn spending for 2025 budget, minister says
2 hours -
Africa grapples with forecasting challenge as weather disasters loom
2 hours -
Europe’s flying taxi dreams falter as cash runs short
3 hours -
Al Fayed’s brother Salah also abused us, women say
3 hours -
I blame the Church for my brother’s death, says Zimbabwean sister of UK child abuser’s victim
3 hours -
South Africa cuts supplies to thousands of illegal miners hiding underground
3 hours -
Nigeria head five Afcon 2025 qualifiers as Ghana given hope
4 hours -
Trump’s pledge to axe the Department of Education explained
4 hours -
‘Major supplier’ of people-smuggling boats arrested
4 hours -
Meta fined €798m over ‘unfair’ Facebook Marketplace
4 hours -
UN climate talks ‘no longer fit for purpose’ say key experts
4 hours -
Conor McGregor admits ‘taking cocaine’ on night of alleged rape
5 hours