‘We’ll Rather Die Than Allow Galamsey”-Concerned Youth of Asante Akyem North Cautions

Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum, Spokesperson for Concerned Youth Association of Asante Akyem North addressing the media Tuesday morning

The Concerned Youth Association of Asante Akyem North has issued a staunch declaration, announcing their unwavering commitment to fiercely oppose and prevent the commencement of illegal miningcommonly known as galamseywithin the Municipality.

The group has served notice that they are prepared to “fight and die” rather than allow such destructive activities to take root.

Youth’s Stance Against “Galamsey”:

The strong warning was delivered during a press conference held on Tuesday morning at the Amantena Public School Park.

Addressing the assembled media, Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum, the Spokesperson for the group, asserted the youth’s readiness to actively ward off any and all attempts to introduce illegal mining into the communities of Asante Akyem North.

“We are determined to fight and die than to allow our MP and MCE to plunge this community into galamsey,” the Spokesperson emphasized.

Allegations of Official Complicity:

During the press briefing, the Spokesperson levelled serious accusations against local officials, suggesting their involvement in attempts to facilitate the illegal activity.

Accusation against the MP:

Mr. Agyekum specifically accused the Member of Parliament for the area, Hon. Ohene Kwame Frimpong, of spearheading these efforts to introduce galamsey.

Accusation against the MCE:

He further disclosed that the Municipal Chief Executive, Sarah Amoakowaa, had reportedly been seen in the company of the MP and Asian nationals, allegedly scouting for locations suitable for illegal mining operations.

The Concerned Group stated their awareness of these maneuvers, claiming the attempts are aimed at subtly influencing local leadership.

“We the Concerned Group are aware of the clandestine attempts by the MP and MCE to shape the minds of our chiefs and opinion leaders to accept illegal mining, which the government has clothed as a responsible mining programme,” Mr. Agyekum asserted.

Stern Caution and Appeal:

The Concerned Youth Association delivered a direct and stern caution to both the MP and the MCE, demanding that they immediately desist from any further attempts to promote or introduce illegal mining.

The group warned that any continuation of these efforts would be fiercely resisted by the youth.

The Spokesperson highlighted the economic importance of the area, noting that the Asante Akyem North enclave is historically recognized as a vital food basket of the region, a status the youth are determined to protect and maintain.

In a plea to the highest office, the group made an urgent appeal to the government to intervene and avert a potential confrontation.

“We appeal to the President, John Mahama to call the MCE and the MP to order, since both were allegedly using his name to foist the illegal activity on the necks of the people in Asante Akyem North,” the Spokesman stressed.

Security Presence:

The event itself was marked by a significant security presence.

Approximately 50 personnel from the Ghana Police Service were dispatched to the Amantena Public School Park to attend to the event organized by the Concerned Group.

A reinforcement team was subsequently called in as the number of attending youth began to swell up, demonstrating the widespread concern and mobilisation.

Furthermore, a group of over 40 heavily built men, identifying themselves as the Asante Defence Force, was also observed at the venue.

It was later ascertained that these men were present to offer protection to the leadership and members of the Concerned Youth Association, underscoring the volatile nature of the issue.

Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Michael Ofosu-Afriyie, Kumasi.