A/R: Manso Nyakomase residents reject ‘unauthorized’ land reclamation exercise
Residents of Manso Nyakomase in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region have voiced strong opposition to what they describe as an unauthorized land reclamation exercise being planned on their small-scale mining site without their consent.
The community, made up of miners, youth, and opinion leaders, says it will not tolerate any external interference in the name of reclamation.
They maintain that they are capable of reclaiming their land themselves once mining activities are completed.
At a press conference held on Monday, October 6, 2025, the residents called on the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Amansie South, Hon. Benjamin Marfo, to intervene before the issue escalates into conflict.
Addressing the media, the community’s spokesperson, Mr. Sarkodie Dominic, stressed that the land in question does not fall within any government concession, forest reserve, or river body.
He noted that it is privately owned by families and individuals in Manso Nyakomase.
“We are not working in any forest or on any river body. This is our own land — our inheritance. We are responsible miners, and we have every plan to reclaim our land when our work is done. No one has the right to move machines here without consulting us,” Mr. Sarkodie stated.
The residents alleged that some unidentified individuals have tried to move excavators and heavy machinery onto the site under the pretext of conducting a reclamation exercise.
They suspect the move is part of a broader attempt to seize their mining area without proper consultation.
“We are sending a strong message to anyone behind this agenda. Stop it immediately. We have not authorized any land reclamation exercise here. If any machines have been sent to our land, we are giving them three days to be removed. We will not allow anyone to take what rightfully belongs to us,” Mr. Sarkodie warned.
The group also cautioned local leaders against engaging in secret deals that could undermine the community’s interest, and vowed to resist any attempts to betray the people’s trust.
“We respect our leaders, but we will not allow betrayal. If any of them are part of this plan, they must stop immediately. This land belongs to the people of Manso Nyakomase, and we will defend it together,” another resident said.
The residents reiterated that they are not opposed to land reclamation but insist it must be carried out fairly and with their participation.
They emphasized that they have the capacity and intention to reclaim the land they once mining activities conclude.
“We know the importance of reclamation. We will do it ourselves at the right time. What we cannot accept is someone coming here to take over our land in the name of reclamation when we are still working on it. That is unfair,” a resident noted.
The residents appealed to the DCE, Hon. Benjamin Marfo, and the government to intervene swiftly to ensure peace and fairness in Manso Nyakomase.
“We are appealing to our DCE and the government to come to our aid. We need protection and fairness. This is our land, our source of survival, and we will not allow anyone to take it away from us unjustly,” Mr. Sarkodie emphasized.
Some residents expressed fears that the situation could lead to confrontation if not handled properly. They urged authorities to act promptly to prevent tensions from rising.
“We are peaceful citizens. We respect government policies, but we must be involved in any decision that affects our land and our lives. We will reclaim our own land when we finish mining, and that is our right,” one resident added.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Francis Appiah
