The Pekyerekye Youth Association in Asante Akyem North has issued a strong appeal to the Chiefs and traditional leaders of the area, urging them to reject all forms of illegal mining.
The group further called upon key state institutions—including the Minerals Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)—as well as the Member of Parliament, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), and the current NDC government to immediately halt any plans to introduce illegal mining (galamsey) into the Pekyerekye community.
Threat:
Addressing a press conference today, the youth highlighted that illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, is a critical issue that gravely threatens the land, health, and future generations of the community.
The association emphasized that the persistent and destructive activities of illegal mining, if allowed to continue in and around Asante Akyem Pekyerekye, would inevitably destroy the community.
“Asante Akyem Pekyerekye is a peaceful and industrious community whose survival depends largely on farming, clean water sources, and a healthy environment,” stated Raymond Appiagyei, the group’s spokesperson.
Encroachment:
The spokesperson lamented that the area’s vegetation is currently being destroyed by illegal mining activities.
He stated that some illegal miners are already encroaching upon farmlands, forests, and vital water bodies within Pekyerekye.
The youth, he noted, can no longer stand by and watch this destruction continue.
“We, the youth of Asante Akyem Pekyerekye, today hereby declare a NO-GO AREA for all forms of illegal mining activities,” the spokesperson vowed, asserting the group’s firm resolve.
Negative Effects of Illegal Mining:
The spokesperson detailed the severe negative consequences should illegal mining be permitted:
1. Destruction of Farmlands:
Productive cocoa, food crop, and vegetable farms will be destroyed, leading to loss of livelihoods for farmers and a direct threat to food security.
2. Pollution of Water Bodies:
Rivers and streams—the sources of drinking water—will be polluted with mercury and other harmful chemicals, posing serious health risks to the population.
3. Health Hazards:
Exposure to toxic chemicals used in illegal mining will cause skin diseases, respiratory problems, and other long-term health complications, particularly among children and pregnant women.
4. Environmental Degradation:
Large, uncovered pits will turn the land into death traps, causing severe soil erosion, loss of vegetation, and the destruction of biodiversity.
5. Threat to Lives and Safety:
Abandoned mining pits will cause accidents and loss of life. Furthermore, the influx of illegal miners will fuel an increase in social vices, insecurity, teen pregnancy, and lawlessness.
6. Loss of Future Opportunities
If illegal mining persists, future generations of Asante Akyem Pekyerekye will inherit barren land unsuitable for farming, settlement, or developmental projects.
Caution to Political Actors:
The group concluded by cautioning the NDC Chairman for Asante Akyem North, Chairman Abagi, to desist from involving the names of the Asante King and President John Mahama in what they described as his “devious plot” to instigate galamsey operations in Asante Akyem North.
Story By Michael Ofosu-Afriyie,
Kumasi.
