Stay away from Dodowa Forest-Shai State warns encroachers

The Chiefs and elders of Shai State in the Greater Accra region have warned those encroaching on the historical Dodowa forest to stay from it or face their wrath.

According to them, they would not allow anyone be it an indigene or an outsider to destroy the ancestral forest because of parochial interest.

They gave the warning on, Wednesday, April 19, 2017 after a visit to the forest with some journalists to brief them about the level of destruction which had taken place in the forest some months ago.

The Dodowa forest served as the final battle ground between the Shais, Gas, Fantis and Ashantis during the Akatamanso War in 1826.

The forest which is located at the outskirt of Dodowa township and near the Forest Hotel along the Dodowa-Accra road has now come under serious threat from chain saw operators and developers.

The situation was very alarming as sizeable part of the forest had been cleared and developed into houses while others were at the foundation levels.

Speaking to Oman FM in an interview Senior Asafoatse of Shai State His Eminence and Royal Majesty Dr. Nene Tei Djahene Korabo (IV) who expressed shock over the development said, their attention was drawn to the unfortunate situation some few days ago by youth of Dodowa and quickly moved there to ascertain it for themselves.

"We thought the forest was intact until last week when the youth drew our attention to the encroachment on the forest.

"We use this road almost every day to Accra and other places and Accra but not knowing some people have also played smartness by encroaching on the forest from the back." he stated.

He explained that the development infuriated the youth and therefore demolished some of the buildings under construction.

His Royal Majesty Dr. Nene Tei Djahene Korabo (IV) indicated that the Shai state would do everything possible to preserve the forest including putting together a committee to monitor activities in the forest every week.

He said they have identified some of the encroachers and those behind them and have since notified the police.

He advised those, who have fallen prey to the unscrupulous persons going about to offer part of the forest for sale, to value their lives and avoid trouble by contacting the chiefs so that, they can consider replacing the land for them instead of continuing developing the forest.

"All those who have been sold part of the forest should come and see the chiefs. And we will replace it for them. If they fail to do so and we see them on the land they will regret and I can assure you for that,” he declared.

Simpim Aferdi Katamanso Yilagbeye (I) of Doryumu hinted that the Shai state would consider instituting legal action against the encroachers and those behind the sale of parts of the forest to them if they are caught.

He cautioned the encroachers to stay away from the forest warning that …we will sit aloof for this historical artifact to be destroyed.”

Story By: Michael Creg Afful/affulchebuchef@yahoo.com

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