Residents of Amakye-Bare, a farming community in the Atwima Nwabiagya North District of the Ashanti Region, have reaffirmed their strong opposition to illegal mining, vowing to resist any future activities after successfully stopping a recent attempt through a mass community protest.
Defending Farmlands and Water Sources
Illegal mining has caused severe destruction to farmlands and poses a serious threat to water sources that are essential for both domestic use and farming. As a community heavily reliant on agriculture, residents fear the devastating consequences of losing their only major river, which is used for irrigation, drinking water, and food production.
A Community-Led Resistance
Months ago, residents and farmers came together to protest against the invasion of illegal miners, who had already destroyed large sections of farmland. Some farmers were reportedly coerced into selling their lands, but after repeated failed appeals to authorities, the community took action—clashing with the miners and setting their equipment ablaze.
Voices from the Community
Emmanuel Opoku, a chief farmer, emphasized the community’s dependence on the river for farming and vowed not to allow illegal miners to destroy it.
“No one in this community supports illegal mining. Our farmers rely on this river, and if it is polluted, our livelihoods will be at risk. Farming is our only source of income, and we will not sit back and watch illegal miners push us out of business.”
Ama Serwaah, another resident, highlighted the dangers illegal mining poses to the Barekese Dam, which supplies water to Kumasi and other parts of the Ashanti Region.
“If the dam is polluted, it will affect our drinking water, our farms, and even the quality of the kenkey we produce for sale. That’s why we are declaring that we will not allow illegal miners to destroy our community.”
Similarly, Awo Sama noted that residents are well aware of the negative effects of illegal mining and accused miners of attacking the youth in frustration over the destruction of their equipment.
“We have always known how dangerous illegal mining is. If we allow it, our rivers will be polluted, and it will affect the people who consume the kenkey we sell. Now, the illegal miners are attacking our youth because they claim their equipment has been destroyed.”
Tensions with Local Leadership and Law Enforcement
The chief of the area has denied any involvement in the mining activities or knowledge of those responsible, but residents remain skeptical and have vowed to hold leadership accountable.
Following the community’s confrontation with the miners, one young resident was arrested, and the case is currently before the Kwadaso District Court. However, community members insist that the accused is innocent and are demanding his immediate release.
A Firm Stand Against Illegal Mining
The people of Amakye-Bare have made it clear that they will not back down in their fight against illegal mining. They are determined to protect their farmlands, preserve their water sources, and safeguard their future livelihoods. Their resistance serves as a powerful message that illegal mining will not be tolerated in their community.