Youth of Sabronum in the Ahafo-Ano South East District of Ashanti Region have vowed to put their lives on the line to protect their land against any form of illegal mining activity in the area.
The illegal activity is being introduced in the area, but the community members say they won’t allow it to continue upon realizing that their only water source has suffered pollution.
They have petitioned the Asantehene to launch an investigation into the issue as they suspect some of the traditional leaders are behind it.
“Because most of our leaders are behind the illegal mining activity locally referred to as galamsey, they don’t want us to wage war against the menace. But for the love we have for our community, we the youth have decided to use every means possible to protect our land”, a youth leader in Sabronum, Gideon Adu Boahen warned.
The angry youth warned that, they will be compelled to cause commotion if dialogue does not work. Akwasi Boakye indicated “beginning today, every mining equipment in Sabronum will be removed by force. Even if it has to cost us our lives, we will fight it.
“Whether the community leaders agree to our demands or not, we will bring an end to galamsey in our area”.
Farmers in the area lament, they now have to carry water along when going to the farm due to the increasing level of pollution of their water sources.
Despite government’s promise to bring an end to the menace, the war against illegal mining in Ghana is far from over.
By Ibrahim AbubukarÂ
