BIBIANI OLD TOWN RELOCATION: TRADITIONAL LEADERS PERFORM FINAL RITUALS FOR RESIDENTS’ RESETTLEMENT

BIBIANI OLD TOWN RELOCATION: TRADITIONAL LEADERS PERFORM FINAL RITUALS FOR RESIDENTS’ RESETTLEMENT

The Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area, in collaboration with Asante Gold Bibiani Mine Limited, has performed the final traditional rituals to pave the way for the relocation of the first batch of residents of Bibiani Old Town to a newly constructed resettlement community.

The relocation exercise forms part of the mining company's commitment to resettle residents of Bibiani Old Town and Zongo whose communities have reportedly been affected by the company's mining operations.

Before the final rituals, traditional leaders performed an initial traditional ceremony at the old settlement to seek the blessings and approval of their ancestors for the relocation of residents to a new community.

During the ceremony, traditional sacrifices, including hens, sheep and cows, were offered to the gods and ancestors as part of the customary rites.

The final rituals were subsequently performed at the new resettlement site to seek spiritual protection, acceptance and blessings for the incoming residents, as well as peace and prosperity in their new environment.

CHIEF THANKS MINING COMPANY FOR FULFILLING ITS PROMISE

The Chief of Bibiani Old Town, Nana Sekyim Kwandor II, expressed appreciation to Asante Gold Bibiani Mine Limited for fulfilling its promise to relocate residents affected by its mining activities.

He recalled that during their initial engagements with the mining company, residents expressed concerns about the impact of the company's operations on their community.

According to him, although the company promised to relocate them, some residents initially doubted whether the promise would materialise.

However, he said the ongoing resettlement process had demonstrated the company's commitment to honouring its assurance.

Nana Sekyim Kwandor II appealed to the mining company to expedite the relocation process to ensure that the remaining residents of Old Town and those in Zongo are also resettled without unnecessary delays.

He further cautioned beneficiaries of the new community to respect the rules and regulations established by the mining company and avoid carrying their old attitudes and practices into the new settlement.

He urged residents to embrace discipline, cooperation and peaceful coexistence to ensure the successful development of their new community.

CHIEF PRIEST EXPLAINS SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TRADITIONAL RITUALS

The Chief Priest, Okomfour Baffour Gyau, of Asuo Mpokua Ampa, who led the performance of the traditional rituals, described the exercise as important, particularly because of the historical significance of Bibiani Old Town.

He explained that Bibiani Old Town was the first settlement in Bibiani and therefore deserved the necessary traditional recognition and respect during the relocation process.

According to him, communities in the olden days were established through the guidance and spiritual authority of traditional leaders and their ancestral deities.

He noted that it was therefore important for the traditional authorities to seek permission and blessings from their ancestors before moving residents from their original settlement.

He further explained that performing rituals at the new resettlement site was equally necessary to introduce the incoming residents to the spiritual authorities, rivers and deities believed to be associated with the land.

He said the rituals were intended to inform the gods and ancestors of the arrival of new residents and seek their acceptance, protection and blessings for peaceful living in the new community.

Okomfour Baffour Gyau also defended the significance of traditional religious practices, stressing that the worship of traditional deities should not be regarded as foolishness but rather understood within the cultural and historical beliefs of the people.

The relocation exercise is expected to provide a new living environment for residents affected by mining operations, while the traditional ceremonies mark an important cultural stage in the transition from the old settlement to the new community.

Source:Bibianinews.com