Winneba, June 12, GNA - Mr Yakubu Barry, Chairman of the Concern Citizens Association, a non political social group dedicated to development of Winneba in the central Region, has expressed concern about the alleged sale of the forest for the hunting of the game for the Aboakyre festival to investors for the construction of a hotel. He alleged that some elders of the area had sold the only forest left for the hunting expedition by the Asafo companies for the annual festival to some Jamaican investors.

Mr Barry noted that already the forest has been depleted through the activities of group hunters, bush fires and charcoal burners, which was already making it difficult for Asafo companies to make an early and easy catch during the festival

Mr Yakubu Barry, who is also an Assemblyman, stated that even though the youth of the area were not opposed to investment and development they would highly appreciate if those who sold part of the forest to investors to find another site for them.

He noted that even though the construction of the hotel would create jobs for the youth, they would resist all attempt to sale the forest, which would affect the eco-system and the environment of the area. Mr Barry appealed to the Ministries of Lands and Forestry and Tourism and Diaspora Relations to investigate the sale of the forest, which was of both economic and cultural significance to the people of Winneba.

He stated that some people in the area should not take undue advantage of the chieftaincy dispute to exploit the economic prospects of the area for their selfish end.