The youth of Akyem Asuom in the Kwaebibirem Municipality of Eastern region have angrily stormed five illegal mining (galamsey) sites located within their community to stop illegal mining activities that have polluted all their water bodies, crops and farm lands.
According to the youth, several warnings to the illegal miners (galamseyers) to halt their activities fell on deaf ears.
They argued that if the illegal miners are not stopped in their tracks, they would not only lose their fertile lands but would destroy the economic future for Akyem Asuom as well.
The youth alleged that all the mining companies causing destruction in their communities are holding only prospecting licenses, which do not permit them to mine, but they have mined without anyone being able to stop them.
They further alleged that the influence of some of their traditional leaders, some of whom are allegedly being bribed, is thwarting the fight against illegal miners.
They have, therefore, called on the government to step in and halt the unlawful activities of the galamseyers in the Akyem Asuom community and to protect their future.
The youth cautioned that should the government fail to stop the galamsey activities in their community, they would find their own way and force the galamseyers to move out from their community.
Meanwhile, the Krontihene of Akyem Asuom, Nana Boadi Amponim Abodade III, has backed the call on the government to halt the galamsey activities in their community because of the huge destruction to their water bodies and farm lands.
