Residents of Akyem Anyinasin in the Abuakwa South Municipality have revived their strong opposition to illegal mining activities, vowing to safeguard their farmlands, environment, and water bodies.
The community’s resistance dates back to 2020, when two companies attempted to mine without proper licenses. Investigations later revealed that the firms only held prospecting licenses but were carrying out full-scale mining operations.
Following public pushback, which included the burning of two excavators under the instruction of the community’s chief, Nana Appiakorang Agyei II, the Abuakwa North Assembly ordered the companies to halt their operations.
However, residents say the threat has re-emerged. In July 2025, Nana Appiakorang Agyei II convened a meeting, reportedly stating he could no longer openly resist the miners due to pressure and threats from influential actors.
Addressing the media on Friday, convener of the protest, William Boakye, challenged the chief to identify those allegedly forcing him to accept mining.
He stressed, “Anyinasin is predominantly a peasant farming community, and unlike surrounding towns that have been devastated by illegal mining, we remain the food basket of the municipality. We cannot allow mining to destroy our farmlands.”
In a petition sent to the Presidency, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, and Okyenhene, the residents stated: “We petition your outfit against the fierce attempt by individuals and groups colluding with some community leaders to subject the community to illegal mining despite the harsh negative consequences on the general wellbeing of all in the community.
This petition is directed to your outfit because you have a say regarding permit and licensing for such activities within your jurisdiction. For the interest of the generality of the community and the municipality that you are superintending over, of course for and on behalf of the people, we petition that your outfit should not grant and/or accept the grant of license or permit to undertake such destructive and dangerous activity in the community.”
Meanwhile, the group Save the Nation for Future Leaders, led by President Kwadwo Atta Appiah Korang, joined the farmers in Anyinasin, highlighting illegal mining as a national and global threat.
He said, “We call it the environmental war, because you see, this destruction, some of the foreigners—Chinese, Indians, and other Africans—are not part of this country, but it’s a national security threat. That’s why I use Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. They are internationally influential. If they lead, speak out, or help with equipment to fight the insurgency, that will be a great effort to end galamsey.”
Korang commended the people of Anyinasin for their steadfast fight against illegal mining to protect farmlands, which serve as a vital source of livelihood.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
