We’ve not authorized anybody to take decisions on resettlement - Royal Family

The Oyoko Royal Family of Dumasi in the Huni Valley-Prestea District of the Western Region, has stated that it has not authorized anybody to either discuss or take decisions on resettlement of Dumasi on its behalf.

A statement issued on behalf of the Oyoko Family and initialed by its Secretary, Dr Francis Kofi Bih, said the royals had taken particular note of the clandestine moves of Golden Star Bogoso Prestea Limited (GSBPL), a Gold Mining Company operating in the area, to use unauthorized people to take decisions on the resettlement of the Dumasi Town “without recourse to the Royal Family.”

The statement pointed out that Dumasi was an ancient town with customs, traditions and sacred sites, which must be respected by all organizations working on its land.

It said it was only the Oyoko Royal Family which had the legitimate right to authorize any institution or body to tamper with the customs, traditions and sacred sites, after performing the necessary rites.

The statement said the royals and indeed the town folks were angry with GSBPL for undermining the customs and traditions of the town, and therefore, would no longer tolerate any infractions from the company to undertake any work or actions that border on resettling the Dumasi town.

The Royals wish to declare as an illegitimate body, the so-called resettlement committee established by GSBPL, and assured the good people of Dumasi that even if there will be any sort of resettlement at all in future, it will be done on the agreed terms and conditions of the Oyoko Royal Family and the inhabitants of Dumasi.

The statement said these terms and conditions would ensure the protection of the livelihood of the inhabitants, as well as the future development of Dumasi.

“We will not accept any decisions from people who yield illegitimate authority, and wish to resettle Dumasi only for their personal gains,” ORF cautioned, adding, “We will sternly resist any attempt by GSBPL to resettle our town without our explicit involvement and agreement.”**