Galamsey: Residents of Manso-Abodom raise concerns over illegal mining at community cemetery
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Residents of Manso-Abodom in the Manso-Nkwanta district of the Ashanti region are up in arms over illegal mining operations near their community’s cemetery.
The residents fear that the activities pose serious health threats and have become death traps for them.
Background of the Issue
A resident, Seth Nkrumah, alleged that the land on which the illegal mining is taking place belongs to Kusi Paul, former Youth organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Nkrumah, in an interview on Otec FM’s political show ‘Dwabrem’, hosted by Doc Cash on Friday, claimed that illegal mining, also known as ‘galamsey,’ has been operational in the community for years with the knowledge of the chiefs and elders.
Response from Kusi Paul
Kusi Paul admitted to being the landowner but stated that he sold the land to an operator for GHC 15,000, with GHC 10,000 paid as part payment to the chief of Manso Abodom, Nana Antwi Agyei.
However, Paul denied that the mining is in the cemetery, saying it’s being done meters away.
Community Outcry and Action
“Following the community’s outcry, the illegal mining activities, which started about a week ago, have halted,” according to Kusi Paul.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Francis Appiah
