Residents of Tabosere, a farming community in the Amansie South district of the Ashanti Region, have raised safety concerns following the invasion of illegal miners in the area.
The Assembly member, together with his two unit committee members, have fled the community after they were allegedly attacked by the miners for speaking against their illegal activities that have resulted in the destruction of their farms and water bodies.
Speaking on the Ghanakoma morning show on Akoma 87.9fm in Kumasi with Sir John on Wednesday, November 18, 2025, the Assemblyman for the Akyekyekrom Electoral Area, Hon. Sylvester Fosu, said residents have mobilized efforts to resist illegal mining activities.
This is due to their detrimental impact on river bodies and lands.
For years, communities in the area have witnessed the devastating consequences of galamsey on their environment. Illegal mining has caused severe pollution to river bodies, making water sources unsafe for consumption and other purposes.
The Assemblyman added that extensive land degradation has disrupted agricultural activities, threatening the livelihoods of many farmers.
He said residents, aware of the long-term environmental and economic costs, have taken a proactive stance to safeguard their community.
He expressed residents’ opposition to galamsey and are urging local authorities and the government to take immediate action.
He also appealed to authorities and the government to intervene and protect their only source of water in the area.
He shared the community’s plight, stating that residents have been living in fear since the invasion. Two unit committee members were recently attacked, and many have been chased out of their homes.
“When these machomen invaded the community, people’s lives have been threatened, beaten in some cases and chased out of the community. The latest among the casualty are two of my community members.
“I have also been threatened and warned not to step foot in the community for close to six months now, I have not been able to perform my responsibility as an Assemblyman.
“My report has been sent to the police commander and the necessary authorities but brutalities, intimidation, humiliation and victimization of people there continue with impunity with no one coming to our aid,” he stated at a press conference.
The community is urgently calling on authorities, including the Interior Minister, Ashanti Regional Minister, and Inspector General of Police, to intervene and restore peace.
“I use this opportunity to appeal for immediate government intervention and to rescue the situation of the people of Tabosere.”
By Benjamin Aidoo
