Residents of 14 farming communities in the Bia West District of the Western North Region have joined forces to protest against illegal mining, also known as galamsey, in their area.
They have called on authorities to step in and halt the destructive activities that are endangering their environment and livelihoods.
These communities, including Papase, Yesu Krom, Kankyeabo, Addo Nkwanta, Sika ne asem Junction, Akweikrom, Kumkkrom, and others, are united in their determination to protect their lands, water bodies, and forests from the devastating effects of illegal mining.
John Akpokpa, a resident of Papaase and a leader in the protest, emphasized the importance of farming to the inhabitants of the area, noting that allowing galamsey would destroy their farmlands and leave them jobless once the mining activities are over.
He emphatically emphasized their strong stance against the presence of illegal miners in their communities, making it clear that such activities are not welcome or tolerated in any way.
On his part, the Assembly Member for Elloukrom Electoral Area, Louis Afful, emphasized that Bia West stood as the only district in the region untouched by galamsey operations, while also voicing apprehensions regarding the health hazards linked with such mining activities.
The area chiefs called on both traditional and political leaders in the region to urgently intervene and address the situation at hand.
According to them, they are determined to preserve their natural resources for future generations and protect their communities from the negative impacts of galamsey.
