Traditional leaders and residents in Berekum have taken to the streets to protest against increasing illegal mining activities in Amomaso and surrounding communities.
The demonstration, held on Friday, was driven by concerns over the environmental and social impact of the growing galamsey operations in the area.
Addressing the media, Owusu Ansah, Chief of Kato and Wirempehene of the Berekum Traditional Area, in the Bono region, clarified that the community is not opposed to mining but will resist any form of illegal or irresponsible operations.
“We are not against mining, but we will not tolerate illegal or destructive activities in our communities,” he stated.
The demonstrators subsequently presented a petition to key stakeholders, including Members of Parliament for Berekum East and West, the Berekum Municipal and Berekum West Assemblies, the Berekum Traditional Council, and the Minerals Commission.
The petition called on authorities to refrain from issuing permits for community mining or any form of illegal mining within the area.
Receiving the petition, the Member of Parliament for Berekum East, Simon Ampaabeng Kyeremeh, expressed support for the concerns raised by the protesters and assured them that he would forward the petition to the appropriate authorities for action.
Residents say the protest is part of ongoing efforts to protect their land and water bodies from the destructive effects of illegal mining.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
