Over 500 people of Gbele; a farming community in the Sissala West District of the Upper West Region are to be relocated.
The resettlement of Gbele follows several years of incessant complaints from officials of the game and wild life division who argued that it is located within the Ghele Forest Reserve and that the activities of the people pose danger to animals in the reserve.
The Sissala West District Chief Executive, Moses Luri ,who disclosed this to Citi News said government has released funds to his outfit to start the exercise.
“About GHC600, 000 has been released through the ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to the works department of the Assembly to begin the resettlement,” he explained.
Mr. Moses Luri added that the entire community of about 50 households will be demolished and relocated to give peace to wild life in the reserve saying, “we are going to demolish all the houses and build new ones in a different location to ensure the reserve is protected.”
The DCE disclosed that the assembly had concluded all the needed consultations with various stakeholders in the community and work for the construction of the houses in the new sit will commence next week.
Beside the houses, Mr .Luri said social amenities such as portable water and electricity will also be provided in the new settlement and called on all opinion leaders in the area to support the project which will be completed in November this year.
Meanwhile, some elders of the community have expressed grave concerns about the resettlement.
One of them who pleaded anonymity said they may lose their sacred sites and the potency of their gods if they move to a different land.
“This is where our grandfathers bequeathed to us and deserting it have a lot of dire consequence. Besides, it’s not every god that can be moved from its original place. There are sacrifices to be made before we can move some of our gods and most of us cannot provide these sacrifices”.
By: Mahama Latif/citifmonline.com/Ghana