Residents of Bompata in the Asante Akyem South Municipality have vowed to resist plans by a private company to begin mining operations in their area, citing fears of severe environmental degradation and social disruption.
The residents expressed strong opposition during a press conference held on Sunday, November 2, 2025, warning that any attempt to introduce mining into the Bompata Traditional Area would be met with firm resistance.
According to the convener of the aggrieved residents, Mr. Joseph Baah, mining activities would pose a serious threat to the community’s farmlands, water bodies, and general livelihood.
He urged the Bompata Traditional Council to take immediate action to prevent what he described as “an impending tragedy.”
“Our lands are the backbone of our survival. We farm, we fetch water from our rivers, and we live in peace with nature. Mining will destroy everything our forefathers left us. We are determined to protect our land for the generations yet unborn,” Mr. Baah stated.
The residents accused some local individuals of allegedly collaborating with a mining company based in Accra to acquire concession rights for mining in the area.
Without naming any specific company, they cautioned that no individual or corporate entity—whether licensed or unlicensed—should attempt to conduct mining activities within the Bompata Traditional Area.
They emphasized that they have learned from the experiences of other mining communities across Ghana that have been left with polluted rivers, degraded farmlands, and displaced populations.
The residents also appealed to President John Dramani Mahama and the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to intervene and help prevent the commencement of any mining-related operations in the area.
In addition, they called on the Asante Akyem South Municipal Assembly, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the District Health Directorate, and the Directorate of Agriculture to reject or suspend any applications or permits that would authorize mining in Bompata.
The community maintains that mining would bring more harm than good, potentially eroding their agricultural base, worsening social challenges, and threatening public health.
“We will not sit by and allow our ancestral lands to be destroyed,” the residents declared. “Bompata must remain a farming and peaceful community, not a mining zone.”
Source :www.kumasimail.com
