The youth of Akyem Asuom have taken a bold stance against illegal mining activities, also known as “galamsey,” in their community. These activities have caused severe environmental degradation, leaving open pits that pose significant hazards, including accidents and contamination of local water sources. The youth are demanding that miners restore the land and follow proper mining practices to ensure a sustainable approach to resource extraction.
Dominic Ofori Forson, the incoming Asafoatse of the community, emphasized that the miners must reclaim the land and cover all the pits they have dug before any negotiations can take place. The youth are open to dialogue, but only if the miners commit to following legal and environmentally sound procedures.
The Kontihene of the area, Nana Boadi Ampomenim Abodade III, revealed that despite numerous complaints to security agencies and the Minerals Commission, there has been no official response. This lack of action has led the youth to take matters into their own hands.
Recently, the Akyem Asuom youth stormed a galamsey site and forced the miners to cease operations. This move highlights the frustration and desperation of the community, which feels that the authorities have failed to protect their interests.
The youth’s demands are not unfounded, as the galamsey activities have caused significant damage to the environment, polluting water bodies, destroying crops, and rendering farm lands unusable. The community is determined to protect their land and ensure that any mining activities benefit the community without compromising its future.
The mining companies operating in the area have only prospecting licenses, which do not permit them to mine. However, they have been mining without hindrance, allegedly with the backing of some traditional leaders who have been receiving money from the miners.
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. The youth’s actions serve as a wake-up call for the authorities to take immediate action.
The Akyem Asuom youth’s determination to protect their community is admirable, and their demands for sustainable mining practices are reasonable. It remains to be seen how the authorities will respond to their calls for action.
In the meantime, the community continues to suffer the consequences of unregulated mining activities. The youth’s bold move has brought attention to the issue, but more needs to be done to address the root causes of the problem.
Ultimately, the Akyem Asuom youth’s fight against galamsey is a fight for their community’s future. They will continue to push for sustainable mining practices and environmental protection until their demands are met.
