A/R: Betinko community rises against illegal mining, demands immediate halt to galamsey activities
Cephas Owusu Boakye
The people of Betinko, a farming community in the Ahafo Ano South East District of the Ashanti Region, have mounted strong resistance against attempts by an individual to commence illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, in their area.
Residents have called for the immediate removal of an excavator and other mining equipment reportedly brought into the community for the unauthorized operations.
Addressing the media, a former National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman for Afigya Kwabre South, Hon. Cephas Owusu Boakye, condemned the move and described it as a betrayal of national efforts to fight the galamsey menace.
“While President John Mahama and other well-meaning Ghanaians are exploring all possible means to eliminate galamsey, it is sad that some self-centered individuals continue to undermine these efforts for personal gain,” Hon. Boakye lamented.
He explained that both the chiefs and residents of Betinko have rejected the illegal activity, stressing that the land earmarked for the operation has already been designated for a coconut plantation project next year.
“This land is our livelihood. We are farmers, and we depend on the soil. We cannot allow anyone to destroy it in the name of galamsey,” he added.
Hon. Boakye further revealed that the traditional head of Betinko, Obaapanin Nana Ataa Gyasiwaa, who is currently recuperating from an illness, has not been informed of the new development despite being a staunch opponent of illegal mining.
“Nana has always warned us to protect our forest and natural resources for the next generation. She has never supported galamsey, and I am sure she would be disappointed by this attempt,” he said.
Supporting the community’s stance, the Abrenya Kyeame of Betinko, Nana Kwadwo Awuah, expressed outrage at the development, describing it as a grave act of disrespect to the traditional leadership and people of the town.
“What is happening is both a taboo and a show of utter disrespect. We will not sit idle for our lands to be degraded,” Nana Awuah fumed.
The residents have vowed to protect their land and environment from destruction, urging the authorities to intervene swiftly to prevent further tension in the community.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Kofi Sam
