Residents of Amakye-Bare, a farming community in the Atwima Nwabiagya North District of the Ashanti Region, have taken a firm stand against illegal mining, vowing to resist any future incursions.
Their resolve follows a successful community-led effort to halt recent mining activities, which had threatened their livelihoods and environment.
Faced with the destruction of farmlands and pollution of vital water sources, the people of Amakye-Bare mobilised to protect their land.
Illegal mining has had a devastating impact on the community, particularly on agriculture, which is the primary source of livelihood for residents.
The uncontrolled activities of miners have led to the degradation of vast farmlands, forcing some farmers to give up their land.
Water sources essential for irrigation and domestic use have also been contaminated, posing a significant threat to both farming and daily living.
Several months ago, frustrated by the lack of intervention from authorities, farmers and residents staged a protest against the illegal miners.
Some farmers had been pressured into selling their lands, but the community eventually took matters into their own hands.
In a bold act of defiance, they clashed with the miners and set their equipment ablaze, sending a strong message that illegal mining would not be tolerated in Amakye-Bare.
Chief farmer Emmanuel Opoku voiced deep concerns about the potential destruction of the area’s major river, which serves as the primary water source for both irrigation and household use.
He stressed that without access to clean water, farming in the community would become impossible, leading to widespread economic hardship.
He reiterated the community’s commitment to protecting their natural resources, stating that they would not stand by while illegal miners destroyed their only means of survival.
“No one in this community supports illegal mining,” Opoku declared. “Every farmer here depends on the river for irrigation, and we will not allow miners to pollute our only water source.
“Farming is our only livelihood, and if we allow illegal mining to continue, many of us will be left without jobs.”
The people of Amakye-Bare have made it clear that they will defend their land and water at all costs, determined to safeguard their future against the destructive consequences of illegal mining.
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