Amakye-Bare Residents Halt Illegal Mining and Pledge to Protect Farmlands

The residents of Amakye-Bare in the Atwima Nwabiagya North District of the Ashanti Region have declared a firm stand against illegal mining (galamsey).

They vow to resist future activities and protect their farmlands and water sources. This community-led effort came after months of frustration with the devastating impact of mining activities on their livelihoods and the lack of intervention from authorities.

Amakye-Bare is a small farming community that relies heavily on agriculture for survival. However, galamsey activities have led to the destruction of vast farmlands and contamination of vital water sources. Due to this environmental crisis, the residents decided to take matters into their own hands.

Months ago, farmers and residents staged a protest against the illegal miners because they were frustrated by the lack of action from authorities. After several calls for intervention from authorities failed, the residents clashed with the miners and set their equipment ablaze, sending a strong message that illegal mining would not be tolerated in Amakye-Bare.

Emmanuel Opoku, a chief farmer in Amakye-Bare, said: “No one in this community is enthused with illegal mining activities in this area. All the farmers here rely on the major river for their farming activities. We will not allow people to destroy the only source of water we use for our farming activities. There is no job in this community except farming, and allowing illegal miners to carry out their activities will push many out of business.”

The community’s confrontation with the miners led to the arrest of one young resident. The case is currently before the Kwadaso District Court. However, community members insisted he was wrongly accused and demanded his release.

The international community is watching closely as Amakye-Bare residents continue their fight to safeguard their environment and livelihoods.