Tension erupted in the Juaboso township earlier this week when a group of irate youth stormed a mining site and forcibly evicted Chinese miners over allegations of unfulfilled promises and environmental degradation.
The youth, mainly unemployed residents of Juaboso, took action after what they described as years of neglect by the foreign miners, who they accuse of failing to honour commitments made to the local community.
Among the complaints were unkept employment promises, lack of community support, and the alleged improper disposal of harmful chemicals used in mining operations.
Speaking at a press conference after the incident, leader of the youth group, Nana Agyeman Prempeh, justified the group’s actions, stating that the community had exhausted all peaceful avenues to address the situation.
“For years, we have watched them destroy our farmlands and water bodies with no regard for our health or well-being. They promised to provide jobs and contribute to our development, but they’ve done none of that,” Nana Prempeh said.
He further accused the miners of using hazardous chemicals that pose serious health risks to both residents and the environment.
According to him, repeated complaints to the mining company and relevant authorities yielded no results, forcing the youth to act.
The group vowed to resist any future attempts by the Chinese miners to resume operations within the district, citing a lack of trust and a need to protect their land and future.
In the aftermath of the protest, police officers were deployed to the mining site to restore calm and maintain order.
