A youth group in the Asante Akyem North Municipality has accused their Member of Parliament and Municipal Chief Executive of attempts to introduce illegal mining activities into the area, urging President John Mahama to immediately intervene to prevent potential unrest.
The Concerned Youth Association of Asante Akyem North made the allegations at a press conference held Tuesday at the Amantena Public School Park, where they claimed that efforts were underway to open the municipality to illegal small-scale mining popularly known as galamsey.
Addressing the media, spokesperson Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum insisted that the group would resist any activity that threatens the municipality’s farmlands, which he described as a major food-producing enclave in the region.
According to the group, local officials have allegedly held engagements with foreign nationals in what they believe are attempts to identify possible mining sites.
They accused the MP, Ohene Kwame Frimpong, of leading these efforts, and claimed that the MCE, Sarah Amoakowaa, had been seen visiting potential locations in the company of Asian nationals.
The youth group further alleged that community leaders were being pressured to accept the activity under the guise of a “responsible mining programme.”
“We urge the President to call both the MP and MCE to order,” Agyekum said, claiming that the two officials were invoking the President’s name in their engagements.
“The people of Asante Akyem North will not allow any initiative that threatens our agricultural livelihood.”
Tuesday’s event saw a strong security turnout, with about 50 police officers deployed to maintain order as hundreds of youth from surrounding communities arrived at the venue.
A reinforcement team was later dispatched as the crowd grew.
A group of more than 40 men who identified themselves as the Asante Defence Force was also present, with members saying they were there to protect the youth leaders a development that underscored the rising tension surrounding the issue.
Police have not commented on the allegations made by the youth group, and neither the MP nor the MCE has publicly responded to the claims.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
