Ashanti Region: Galamsey in full swing at Asante Akyem Praso; chiefs demand state intervention

The chiefs and people of Akyem Praso in the Asante Akyem South Municipality of the Ashanti Region are seeking urging intervention from the state as illegal miners continue to destroy farmland in their quest for gold through rampant galamsey operations.

They allege that the galamsey culprits have invaded their land under the guise that their government is in power and that no one can stop them.

A visit by Asaase News to the area on Thursday (20 February) revealed vast sections of cocoa farms in the process of being destroyed by illegal miners, with several abandoned pits posing a grave risk to residents.

An excavator and other equipment commonly used for galamsey mining were spotted on site.

Asaase News also learned that one of the abandoned pits had claimed the life of one person. The situation has raised tension, with traditional leaders and the youth vowing to protect their lands from destruction by the galamseyers.

“My attention was drawn by some of the youth that suspected illegal miners had taken over our land. The youth initially thought they had been issued a permit, but it turned out to be false,” the chief of Asante Akyem Praso, Nana Yaw Agyekumhene, told Asaase News.

“Illegal miners have now taken over our land. This is unacceptable. I am issuing this caution to them to vacate immediately. We will not accept this lawlessness,” Nana Agyekumhene said.

“We are appealing to the government to intervene. This is the fourth time they have invaded our lands, and they operate at night.

”We want those behind this illicit activity to move their machines [off] our land, or they will incur our wrath. It is sad to report that one of our community members died in one of their abandoned pits. This is disheartening, and we will not tolerate it any longer,” the chief warned.

Ghana’s fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, is not paying off. The situation has escalated into a full-blown crisis, with the illegal miners operating with impunity.

Early this month, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, issued a stern two-week ultimatum to individuals engaged in illegal mining in forests and on waterways, warning them to vacate these areas or face the full force of the law.

However, as the 14-day galamsey deadline expires, he is yet to take action.