Residents of Barekese, the capital of the Atwima Nwabiagya North District in the Ashanti Region, have staged a protest against ongoing illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as galamsey, in the area.
According to the residents, the activities of the miners are destroying water bodies and threatening the livelihoods of farming communities in Barekese and its environs.
At a press conference led by Mr. Arhin Amankwaatia, the residents accused one Emmanuel Kofi Twumasi, popularly known as EK, of spearheading the galamsey operations.
They alleged that Twumasi claims to have secured the concession from the Barekese Chief, Nana Amoabeng Brenya, to mine at Barekese-Yard, a small farming community.
“The galamsey activity has polluted our water bodies and destroyed farmlands that many of us depend on for survival,” Mr. Amankwaatia said.
The residents further lamented that all attempts to engage Barekesehene Nana Amoabeng Brenya on the matter have proven futile.
They are, therefore, appealing to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to intervene and halt the illegal mining operations before the situation worsens.
Illegal mining has been one of the major environmental challenges facing Ghana, particularly in rural communities where livelihoods heavily depend on farming and access to clean water.
Residents of Barekese say they will not relent in their demand for urgent action to protect their land, water resources, and future generations.
Source: Oyerepafmonline.com
