In a bold move, the youth of Akyem Asuom in the Kwaebibirem municipality of the Eastern Region have stormed an illegal mining (galamsey) site in their community, halting the activities of the miners.
The youth, who have been frustrated by the destruction caused by the galamseyers, have taken matters into their own hands, saying they can no longer wait for the authorities to act.
The galamseyers, who have been operating in the community for some time, have caused significant damage to the environment, polluting water bodies, destroying crops, and rendering farm lands unusable.
Despite warnings from the youth, the miners have continued their activities, leading to the youth’s decision to take action.
According to the youth, the mining companies operating in the area have only prospecting licenses, which do not permit them to mine.
However, they have been mining without any hindrance, allegedly with the backing of some traditional leaders who have been receiving money from the miners.
The youth have called on the government to take immediate action to halt the galamsey activities in their community, warning that if nothing is done, they will be forced to find their own way to stop the miners.
The Krontihene of Asuom, Nana Boadi Amponim Abodade III, has backed the youth’s call, saying that the galamsey activities have caused significant destruction to the environment and must be stopped.
This is not the first time that the youth of Asuom have clashed with galamseyers.
In recent years, there have been several reports of violence and intimidation by miners against community members who have tried to stop their activities.
The youth’s decision to take matters into their own hands highlights the frustration and desperation of the community, which feels that the authorities have failed to protect their interests.
The Government has been criticized for its failure to effectively address the issue of galamsey, which has become a major environmental and social problem in Ghana.
-BY Daniel Bampoe