All the Asafo groups under the Abutia Traditional kingship have threatened to take back control and supervision of the Kalakpa Game and Wildlife Reserve if government and the Forestry Commission are unable to protect not only the animals but the entire forest reserve.
According to them, the reserve is bedeviled with intense encroachment by some individual developers as trees are being felled indiscriminately with impunity and that they would deal with perpetrators of such acts.
They also appealed to the state for immediate return of the reserve to them as the rightful owners of the land.
Leaders of the Asafo groups with support from the Paramount Chief of the Abutia Traditional Area, Togbe Abutia Kodzo IV, during their annual Asafotu festival at Abutia emphasized that they would do what it takes to safeguard the reserved land size.
Togbega Abutia kodzo noted that their appeal comes amidst growing concerns over the encroachment of the forest reserve by people he described as recalcitrant individuals whose actions undermine the purpose for the game and wildlife reserve in the area.
He stated that if the Forestry Commission is unable to manage and utilize the earmarked forest land size for its intended conservation and protection purposes, it would be advisable to ensure that the land be returned to the community that has historically safeguarded the reserve.
The Paramount Chief who engaged the media after the Asofotu festival said it serves as a reminder of their ancestors who struggled to secure their land and heritage would not relent to celebrate such vibrant festival annually to showcase the rich cultural traditions of the Abutia community.
Togbe Abutia said the Asafotu festival does not only remind them of their ancestral bravery but brings together all the Asafo groups in a colorful display of traditional drumming, dancing, and the singing of war songs.
The festivities, Togbega stressed, is further marked by the firing of musketeers, symbolizing the community’s readiness to defend their land from any threats which is likely to derail their power in defensiveness during war.
Some members of the Asafo groups revealed that this year’s festival is not only depicting the historical significance of land ownership but has highlighted the significance of unity and cultural pride among the people of Abutia .
They also said the celebration served as a platform to promote tourism as Abutia abounds in several attractions, visitors were offered the needed opportunity to experience the community’s rich traditions and vibrant cultural expression.
An Opinion Leader, Seth Abutia emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between the government and the local community to ensure sustainable management of the reserve for the benefit of posterity.
He also advised parents to take responsibility for their wards and avoid family breakdowns, which he said contributes to youth waywardness.
