River Gee County Superintendent, Mike T. Swengbe, has alarmed over the influx of Burkina Faso nationals, who are engaged into cross-border farming in the county.
Recently, while spearheading an intensive public awareness campaign in Potupo Joproken, River Gee County, aimed at addressing the rise in cross-border farming activities involving a huge number of Burkina Faso citizens, Superintendent Swengbe termed the presence of the Burkinabes in River Gee as an unauthorized settlement, which he said poses national security risks, and that it is contributing to the increase in land disputes in that part of the country.
He’s urging citizens and residents of River Gee to remain united and vigilant in protecting their homeland from the “unauthorized settlement” of scores of Burkinabes.
He used the occasion to reaffirm government’s commitment to restoring essential services, specifically referencing the planned rehabilitation of the Joproken Clinic.
Superintendent Swengbe commended Representative IB Choloply Wou, for his continued efforts in improving healthcare access.
While encouraging agricultural development, Superintendent Swengbe warned against the unlawfully allotting land to foreign nationals, calling on citizens to adhere to national land use regulations.
In response, community leaders expressed deep appreciation–Elder Swen Choloply speaking on behalf of citizens and resident residents of the area, thanked Superintendent Swengbe and presented him with a Billy goat, as a token of gratitude.
Chief James P. Sayee, for his part, pledged the support of traditional authorities to uphold legal land practices, while women’s leader Madam Gertrude Dweh and youth representative Jerry Jah committed to supporting government’s efforts aimed at preserving the county’s territorial integrity.