At Ampansie and its neighboring communities in the Evalue Ajomoro Gwira municipality of the Western Region, government’s fight against illegal mining has proven to be woefully inadequate as residents now search in vain for farmland, their earth stripped bare by “galamsey” pits.
Meanwhile, the Divisional chief of Gwira Ampansie, Nana Kojo Mensah II, has called on the Minerals Commission to conduct thorough, on-the-ground investigations before issuing mining licenses to prospective miners, a failure he directly links to the environmental and social crisis unfolding in his area.
It’s 7:54 a.m, the early hour when illegal miners are preparing for the day. Our focus is on the Gwira communities which have recently become a hotspot for such operations.
Despite years of continuous contribution to the nation’s development through agricultural production, the area lacks motorable roads.
The route from Simpa Junction, which links the Evalue Ajomoro Gwira and Ellembelle districts, is dotted with huge potholes, leaving the okada as a major means of transport for residents.
Ackah Miezah is a resident in area he stated that “We thank God for Okada. Our roads are in such a deplorable state that transporting a woman in labor has become a major challenge.”
Anyone traveling the road from Simpa Junction to Gwira Dominase can now see and hear Changfang machines in constant operation a common sight that dominates the landscape.
This is Gwira Ampansie, the once thriving hub for cocoa and other food crops. Today, it stands a shadow of its former self, its fertile farmlands seized by illegal mining.
Its proximity to the Ankobra River offers no relief, as the water is now unusable. Our visit reveals a landscape pockmarked by vast mining pits.
According to the Divisional Chief of Gwira Ampansie, Nana Kojo Mensah II, the community’s problems began in 2024 when a small-scale mining company, arrived with only a prospecting license.
When questioned for the required Environmental Protection Agency permit which authorizes actual mining, the company refused to provide it and went ahead with its operations, destroying vast acres of farmland in the area.
“They only had a prospecting license. When we investigated, we found they did not have the required Environmental Protection Authority permits. We asked them to provide the permits, but for a year or more they could not do so, and yet they continued mining.” He said.
According to a resident, Angu Mensah, the company resorted to the use of what he describes as “Machomen” to help send their mining equipment to the site.
“Nana did his part, but the company just kept saying they had their papers. We called a meeting for Wednesday to see them. Then, at dawn on Thursday, they showed up with a bus full of armed men with cutlasses and guns.
I heard the excavator from inside. When we went to stop them and saw their weapons, I told Nana we had to go home right then or they’d kill us.”
Contrary to Section 83 of the Minerals and Mining Act 2006 (Act 703), which restricts small-scale mining to Ghanaian citizens, our visit to the mining site revealed a Chinese operating an excavator.
In response to allegations of foreign nationals’ involvement in the area, Nana Kojo Mensah II stated he knew nothing about their presence or activities.
“Go to the site now, and you’ll see most of their workers are Chinese. As the local chief, I have never approved land for this illegal mining. We are appealing to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources to help us, as they are destroying our farmlands and we get nothing from the company.” He added.
He indicated he has not issued any parcel of land for mining in the area while expressing disappointment with the Minerals Commission, for not doing thorough, on-the-ground investigations before issuing mining licenses to prospective miners.
He links this failure to the environmental and social crisis unfolding in his community.
“We are very disappointed in the Minerals Commission. We believe that if they grant a license to a company, they must monitor its operations to ensure it is complying with the law. Moreover, before issuing any license, they should have engaged with us, the community members, first.” He mentioned.
The community is now appealing to the highest authorities for aid, as the company continues to create havoc through both the assault of residents and the destruction of farmland.
“Peace has been shattered in our community by their “macho men,” who keep harassing our youth. One of our own was even stabbed in the back while panning for gold. We appeal to the government: please hear our plea and take action against this company.” They said.
Our attempts to contact the Management of the mining company for comment on the community’s claims were unsuccessful.
We commit to providing their response in subsequent coverage if and when we receive it.
By Ebenezer Atiemo
