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The youth of Akyem Asuom in the Kwaebibirem Municipality of the Eastern region have angrily stormed about five illegal mining (galamsey) sites located within their catchment community and stopped the activities of illegal miners.
According to the youth of Akyem Asuom, their actions followed failed efforts to stop these miners from carrying out their operations in the area despite several warnings.
A situation they noted moved them to storm these illegal mining sites over the weekend because the activities have caused huge destruction to their farmlands, crops, and water bodies.
Our leaders must be forced to resign if they cannot stop illegal mining – Buaben Asamoah
Speaking to journalists in the area, the youth alleged that all the mining companies destroying the community hold only prospecting licenses which don’t permit them to mine but they have succeeded in doing otherwise.
Some of the aggrieved youth said further that clamping down on these galamsey activities has become a very difficult task because the illegal miners are believed to be backed by some traditional authorities within the area.
They have therefore called on the government to as a matter of urgency help halt the unlawful activities of the galamseyers. However, noted that failure to do so will compel them to find a way of stopping it in a way to safeguard the future of the people of Akyem Asuom.
On his part, the Krontihene of Akyem Asuom, Nana Boadi Amponim Abodade III backed the youth call to the government to find a lasting solution to the galamsey activities in their community and the country at large.
He indicated that the extent to which galamsey activities are destroying their water bodies and farmlands is saddening.
According to Nana Boadi Amponim Abodade III, his commitment to fighting the canker in the jurisdiction remains unchanged although his single-handed efforts since his installation as the Krontihene of Akyem Asuom have proven futile.
This came days after the Chief of Anyinasin in the region, Osaberima Atta Appeakrong Agyei II, Osaberima Atta Appeakrong ordered the youth of the area to burn two excavators and other mining equipment used by some galamseyers in the catchment area.
He has since denounced illegal mining activities in his community and given a shoot-and-kill order to the youth in his bid to make the area a no-go area for galamseyers.
Galamsey: Akyem Anyinasi chief issues ‘shoot-and-kill’ order to youth
