Winneba, May 14, GNA- The Concerned Citizens Association of Winneba has petitioned authorities concerned to intervene to resolve the controversy between the people of Winneba and Gomoa over the ownership of the Winneba forest reserve.

Mr Yakubu Barry, Chairman of the Association who read the petition on behalf of members at an emergency meeting at Winneba, to discuss issues about the recent Aboakyer Festival, said the setting up of committee would help find an amicable settlement of the ownership of the forest reserve.

Mr Barry said if the authorities delayed in resolving the matter, the beauty and customary relevance of the Aboakyer Festival of the chiefs and people of the Effutu Traditional Area, would be meaningless . He was of the view that the problem could also affect tourists' attraction to the area, which could ultimately bring in huge investments to the chiefs and people of the traditional area.

The Chairman alleged that during the recent Aboakyer Festival, some chiefs and people of Gomoa warned the two Asafo companies not to step into the forest reserve from where they hunt for the deer. He added that if the matter was not resolved, it would create a misunderstanding between the two districts.

He therefore, called for a committee to investigate the matter and come out with recommendations that would help promote unity and peace in the area to enhance development.

Mr Barry urged people in the two administrative districts not to politicise the matter, since it could drive away potential investors to the area.