B/A REGSEC appals to Bui-Dokokyina households to relocate

Sunyani (B/A), May 28, GNA - The Brong-Ahafo Regional Security Council (REGSEC), has appealed to six households at Dokokyina in the Tain District of the Brong-Ahafo Region to vacate the place for the Bui Resettlement Camp. Mr. Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo, Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister, in a press statement to the media in Sunyani on Friday, expressed the hope that the households, who were reluctant to move, would immediately relocate at the camp for their own safety. He said that the vacation of the place would pave way for the impending impoundment of the Black Volta, to create a Lake for the Bui Hydro Power Project.

Mr. Nyamekye-Marfo explained that blockade of the river to re-direct the flow of water towards the filling of the dam would commence in the first week of June this year. He said that almost all the members of communities to be relocated had agreed in principle to move to their new settlements. Mr. Nyamekye-Marfo said they were currently being moved in batches but "some households within Dokokyina village are adamant to re-locate", alleging that 93their reluctance to move is allegedly being spearheaded by Nana Kwadwo Kumah Domaka, Krontihene of the area".


He said that out of the 36 household in Dokokyina village, 30 including that of Nana Kofi Asa, chief (Odikro) of the area had left for the new settlement, leaving the remaining six households.


Mr. Nyamekye-Marfo said that on May 20 this year REGSEC and Mr. Samuel Jones Tawiah, District Chief Executive for Tain met Nana Domaka to explain "the potential adverse effects on the settlers when the dam rises to full height". The Regional Minister said Nana Domaka told REGSEC that 93he and his subjects would use a route through Cote d'Ivoire and would not be bothered with the cut-off or inaccessibility to Ghana".


Mr. Nyamekye-Marfo said the REGSEC is obliged to protect lives and properties and ensure the safety of people in the Region, and would not allow the six households to resist moving to the new site. He explained that because of its seemingly upland location, Dokokyina might not be submerged but by the construction design but it could be engulfed by the Lake and cut the place off the entire Bui area.


Mr. Nyamekye-Marfo said that even though Dokokyina might not be inundated by water, there was the need for the people to vacate to avoid being surrounded at the south, east and west by the reservoir and large parts of their land 93which is being used for cultivation, grazing, hunting and collection of forest products, which will also be submerged". He said another problem likely to arise after the formation of the Lake "is access to the rest of Ghana by the community as they would either need marine vessels to ferry them very long distances over the Lake or alternatively go through La Cote D'Ivoire if they prefer dry land to access Ghana.

"Dokokyina village is located in the Bui National Park and is likely that on the impoundment of the river, most of the displaced wild animals and reptiles would find their way to this community that could pose a threat to human life".


Mr. Nyamekye-Marfo said REGSEC would continue to monitor the development of that project, to ensure that there was no obstacle impeding the progress of its construction. He referred to Act of Parliament, Act 740, that established the Bui Power Authority (BPA) in 2007 and said the Authority's mandate was to plan, execute and manage the Bui Hydro Electric Project including ensuring the smooth resettlement of 1,216 affected people.


Mr. Nyamekye-Marfo indicated that the development of the "Project will involve the inundation of over 444 kilometre square of land at the full supply level of the reservoir, including parts of the Bui National Park. The area of permanent inundation includes six villages that are Bui Village, Bator-Akanyakrom, Berewohodi, Agbegikuro, Lucene and Dam site".


He gave the assurance that the BPA would make vehicles available to aid the relocation of all residents, who wish to be assisted with transportation. Mr. Nyamekye-Marfo said REGSEC had appealed to the inhabitants because "it is our belief that dialogue is the best approach to this situation and forceful ejection would be the last resort".