The Chiefs and people of the Shai State in the Greater Accra region are deeply concerned about the rapid depletion of the historic ancestral Dodowa forest, which holds immense cultural and historical significance.
They have vowed to resist the attempt of the Odoikese family from Obosomase to claim the forest. Gossips24 reported that Christian Azu was present at a press conference by the chiefs and people to register their displeasure.
The Dodowa forest carries the memories of past victories and the spirit of the Shai people, serving as a testament to the resilience of the Dodowa community. Its preservation is now crucial not only for the Chiefs and people of Dodowa but for all who value cultural heritage and history.
The forest, which symbolizes the bravery and fortitude of the Shai people who triumphed over their enemies two centuries ago, is under threat from unchecked farming and construction activities.
The once vast and thriving ecosystem is being rapidly reduced as individuals and families, allegedly led by members of the Odoikese family of Obosomase, lay claim to the land.
The Chiefs and the people of Dodowa, clad in red to signify their anger and resolve, have issued a strong warning to these encroachers, vowing to resist any further attempts to take over or destroy the forest.
Tensions have intensified between the two traditional areas following a recent demolition exercise carried out by the Greater Accra Security Council, which saw several structures within the Dodowa and Katamanso Pinkwai Forests, declared as heritage sites, being pulled down.
During a press conference, the agitated Chiefs, led by Nene Dr. Tei Djahen Korabo IV, Manye Djorpanya Mantse, and senior Asafoatse of Shai State, and Nene Okukrubour Tei Agyeman V, Divisional chief of Dodowa, Nene Narteh Wayo of the Shai Traditional Area, made their stance clear.
Following the demolition, members of the Odoikese family made allegations against the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Titus Glover, accusing him of taking sides in the dispute and calling for his removal from office. However, the Dodowa Chiefs have refuted these allegations, standing firmly by the minister’s actions.
As tensions remain high, the Chiefs and people of Dodowa are calling on the government and all relevant authorities to step in and ensure the protection of the Dodowa forest. They are also urging all individuals and families laying claim to the land to cease their activities immediately, warning that they will continue to defend their ancestral lands with all means at their disposal.
