The Concerned Youth of Fanteakwa South in Eastern Regionhave issued a statement expressing alarm over an ongoing illegal mining operation in Akyem Saamang, which they claim is endangering the peace and security of the Fanteakwa South District.
This activity, allegedly orchestrated by an operator known as “Soldier,” is reportedly taking place on a section of land within the Kibi Goldfields concession, near the newly constructed double road.
According to the group, the illegal mining operation has led to serious human rights abuses, with local residents being forced off their land without negotiation or compensation.
“Our people are now like strangers in their own communities,” the statement reads. Aboagye Aikins, Secretary of the Concerned Youth, detailed that individuals wielding cutlasses and guns have been hired by the illegal mining operator to intimidate local farmers, many of whom are now too fearful to visit their own farms.
The group asserts that a few “self-seeking workers” within Kibi Goldfields may have allocated the land to the illegal mining operator without the knowledge of the company’s management. They have called on the Managing Director of Kibi Goldfields to personally inspect the area and take swift action to halt the activity.
“We want to make it clear that we support responsible mining, but we are firmly against illegal and irresponsible mining,” stated Aikins. “It’s time for the management of Kibi Goldfields to ensure that their concession is free from illegal miners. This activity is not only harming our land but also putting the safety of the people at risk.”
The youth group also addressed local authorities, including the Chief and Queen Mother of Saamang, urging them to intervene immediately. “Our leaders, both traditional and political, cannot claim ignorance of what’s happening,” the group stated. The Queen Mother is alleged to have rented her home to workers involved in the illegal operation, which the group claims further implicates local leadership.
Aikins emphasized that the group would hold the Saamang leaders accountable if they failed to take immediate action. “If nothing is done, we will report the Chief and elders of Saamang to Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin in a few days. We cannot stand by while the people’s safety and livelihoods are threatened,” he warned.
The group also appealed to the District Commander of Police and the District Chief Executive, who chairs the District Security Council (DISEC), to address the escalating tension caused by this illegal mining activity. “The people of Saamang are living in fear. We urge the police and DISEC to act decisively and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice,” Aikins added.
The Concerned Youth further stated that the environmental damage inflicted by illegal mining, specifically mentioning the contamination of the Akusu River, which was once clean and drinkable. They also urged Kibi Goldfields to fulfill its responsibility to maintain environmental and social order within its concession.
The statement by the Concerned Youth of Fanteakwa South concluded warned that if no action is taken by the relevant authorities, they will organize a large-scale demonstration to demand accountability and the protection of their community.
Source:Mybrytfmonline. com/Obed Ansah
