Chairman of the Ankaase-Gyadem Land Committee, Daniel Ansah—popularly known as Chairman Abeiku—revealed that victims have suffered physical assaults and intimidation from the illegal miners.

He described the situation as dire, with farmlands forcefully taken over and livelihoods destroyed.

The land seizures and associated violence have sparked fear among residents, raising alarm over the growing threat of illegal mining—commonly referred to as “galamsey”—in the region.

Local farmers are now calling for urgent government intervention to stop the encroachment and demand compensation for the destruction caused.

The illegal mining menace, which continues to plague several parts of Ghana, poses significant environmental, social, and human rights risks.

In response to the growing outcry, District Chief Executive for Atiwa East, Ernest Owusu Ntim, said he is actively working to address the issue. He disclosed that he has been engaging licensed small-scale miners in an effort to clamp down on illegal operators.

“I’m committed to restoring order and protecting the livelihoods of our farmers. I ask for a little more patience as we deal with this issue,” he assured.

Residents, however, say they expect swift and decisive action to safeguard their lands and prevent further destruction.

According to the group, the devastation caused by illegal mining, known as galamsey, is undeniable, and the effects are catastrophic.

Speaking on the second day of the protest on Friday, October 4, the lead convener stressed that their demonstration was driven by the urgent threat galamsey poses to the lives of Ghanaians, particularly the youth.

“As we said yesterday, we are here today and where we are going today is that we are asking that they put a stop to all galamsey and unsafe illegal and legal activities that turn to destroy our water and our land,” he said.

He added, “What we are going to say today is that the Ministry of Land and Land Resources put a ban on all legal and illegal activities that are destroying our lands.”

The group also expressed dissatisfaction with a recent statement by the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) regarding reduced water turbidity levels in the Central Region.

They argued that the GWCL’s statement fails to address the broader issue of the government’s commitment to fighting galamsey, dismissing it as “shared politics.”

Source: Prince Adu-Owusu

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Speaking on Accra based Channel One TV, the Society’s President, Dr. Hilda Manteebea Boye, shed light on the severe health and environmental consequences of galamsey, particularly the devastating impact on water resources and public health.

Dr. Boye voiced deep concerns over the rising cases of kidney disease and failure among children, which she linked to the pollution caused by these illegal mining activities.

She underscored the serious risk to Ghana’s communities, noting that contaminated water bodies and food supplies are endangering the lives and future of the nation’s youth.

The Paediatric Society is urging all stakeholders, especially political leaders, to unite in taking immediate and decisive action to combat the galamsey threat.

“Our country’s future is at stake,” Dr. Boye warned

She added that if swift action is not taken, Ghana may soon be forced to import water.

“We are already witnessing developmental problems in children, with alarming rates of kidney disease and failure linked to pollution. People are eating contaminated food, and our water bodies are being destroyed. This menace must be stopped.”

She called on all political parties to commit to eradicating illegal mining, stressing that the health of the nation depends on it.

Source: Adomonline

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