Tensions flared in the Akyem Anyinasin community in the Abuakwa North Municipality on Friday, as scores of concerned residents took to the streets in protest against proposed mining activities in the area.
Wearing red bands and holding placards, the demonstrators voiced strong opposition to what they described as a covert plan by certain authorities to introduce mining operations allegedly illegal within the Anyinasin enclave.
The protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as: “Our lands are not for sale”, “We will protect our farms and forests for the next generation,” “Mining will not only destroy our livelihoods, but will also pollute our rivers and poison our future.”
During a community durbar held as part of the protest, the residents expressed fears over the potential destruction of their farmlands, water bodies and forest reserves as powerful external interests were working to override local opposition to mining in the area.
The protestors singled out their traditional leader, Osaberema Attah Appiah Krang Adej II, stating that his previously firm stance against mining had been weakened by sustained pressure from external forces.
A native of the community, Mr. Kwadwo Appiah Attah Krang, a founder and president of Save the Nation for Future Leaders and leader of the protesters urged Osaberema Attah Appiah Krang Adej II to stand resolute in defense of the community’s natural heritage and join them in rejecting all mining proposals.
The demonstrators appealed to key figures, including the Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin and President John Dramani Mahama to take interest in their plight and intervene to halt any illegal mining ventures.
They also called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Minerals Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to investigate the alleged plans and act swiftly to safeguard the environment and community interests.
The petition, addressed to relevant local and national authorities, outlined the community’s demands and reinforced their collective commitment to resisting any form of illegal mining in Akyem Anyinasin.
As the battle over land and minerals intensifies in Ghana’s Eastern Region, the people of Akyem Anyinasin are sending a clear message: they will not trade their heritage for gold.
