Traditional leaders and local youth joined forces in a mass demonstration against the escalating threat of illegal mining in the Berekum township.
This public outcry follows a worrying surge in “galamsey” activities within Amomaso and several neighbouring communities, sparking fears of irreversible environmental destruction and the loss of vital water bodies.
Leading the charge, Nana Owusu Ansah, the Chief of Kato and Wirempehene of the Berekum Traditional Area, addressed the media with a firm stance on the region’s natural resources.
He clarified that the traditional leadership are not inherently opposed to mining as an industry; however, they remain vehemently against any form of illegal or irresponsible community mining that bypasses environmental safeguards.
He emphasised that the long-term health of the land and the safety of the people must take precedence over the short-term gains of unregulated extraction.
The demonstrators presented a formal petition to some stakeholders, including the Members of Parliament for Berekum East and West, the respective Municipal and District Assemblies, the Berekum Traditional Council, and the Minerals Commission.
The document issues a stern directive to these governing bodies, urging them to refrain from granting any permits for community mining projects or allowing galamsey operations to take root in the area.
Accepting the petition on behalf of the legislative arm, Simon Ampaabeng Kyeremeh, the Member of Parliament for Berekum East, voiced his solidarity with the protestors.
He commended the community for their vigilance and assured the gathered crowd that their grievances would be presented to the appropriate authorities with urgency.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
