Tension is mounting in Asante Akyem Pekyerekye in the Asante Akyem North Municipality as residents openly resist what they describe as an invasion of illegal miners whose activities are destroying farmlands and threatening livelihoods.
Illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, has already ravaged large rice farms in the area, while cocoa and maize farms the main sources of income for residents are under increasing threat.
Miners have excavated vast portions of agricultural land in search of gold, leaving behind deep, uncovered pits that residents say pose serious dangers to lives.
In addition to the loss of farmland, the miners are accused of destroying acres of cocoa farms while creating access routes to mining sites, often without the knowledge or consent of landowners.
Residents also fear that the use of toxic chemicals such as mercury and cyanide could contaminate rivers and streams relied upon for domestic use and irrigation.
Addressing journalists on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, Kwabena Frimpong, Convener of a local youth group, declared Pekyerekye a “no-go area” for all forms of illegal mining.
He warned that residents would use all legal means available to resist the activities, stressing that the community would not sacrifice its lands and health for the destructive effects of illegal mining.
“We cannot exchange our farmlands for diseases and environmental destruction,” Mr. Frimpong said, citing skin diseases, respiratory conditions and long-term health complications as some of the consequences of illegal mining, particularly for children and pregnant women.
He further highlighted the environmental impact of galamsey in the area, including exposed pits that pose death threats, soil erosion, loss of vegetative cover and the destruction of biodiversity.
“Let this serve as a final warning to all illegal miners and their sponsors to stay away from Asante Akyem Pekyerekye lands,” he cautioned.
The residents have called on the District Chief Executive (DCE) and the Member of Parliament (MP) for the area to take immediate steps to halt the illegal mining activities.
They also appealed to chiefs and traditional authorities to protect stool lands from encroachment.
Additionally, the community urged the Minerals Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and security agencies to intensify monitoring and strictly enforce mining regulations.
Residents also condemned a viral video in which the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Constituency Chairman, popularly known as Chairman Abagi, was allegedly heard encouraging illegal mining activities in the area.
They warned him to desist from such conduct or risk facing resistance from the community. The residents further cautioned the district police commander to focus efforts on stopping illegal mining rather than targeting community members who are protecting their lands.
Meanwhile, the Asante Akyem North Municipal Assembly has been called upon to urgently reclaim and cover the dangerous pits left behind by illegal miners to prevent accidents and further environmental degradation.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Isaac Justice Bediako
