In a powerful display of unity and resolve, residents of *Twabidi Beposo* in the *Ahafo Ano North municipal* of the Ashanti region took to the streets today adorned in red and black, vehemently protesting against illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, in their community.

Led by the unit committee chairman, *Mr. Opoku John,* alongside local *residents and farm owners,* the demonstrators expressed deep resentment towards the sudden encroachment of galamsey activities in their vicinity. They adamantly declared their opposition to any form of illegal mining, citing the imminent threat it poses to their cocoa farms, water sources, and overall livelihoods.

“The galamsey will destroy our *cocoa farms, our water, and many other things*,” Residents emphasized, “We won’t allow anyone to come and do that; we don’t want any galamsey in the community.”

The residents emphasized that they were taken by surprise when heavy machinery appeared in their town without prior notification or consultation with the community. They stressed the importance of preserving their land and resources for future generations and called upon the authorities, particularly *Otumfour Osei Tutu II,* the overlord of the Asante Man Council, to intervene urgently to avert potential environmental and social catastrophe.

The residents of *Twabidi Beposo* have sent a clear and resolute message: they stand united in protecting their land from the perils of illegal mining and await prompt action from the appropriate authorities to uphold their rights and preserve their environment.

*Hon. Augustine Fosu*, the assembly member for the area, also expressed his dismay at the clandestine operations of those behind the galamsey activities. He criticized the lack of proper licensing and transparency, noting that no authorization had been sought from the local assembly before the arrival of the machinery.

“The government of Ghana, led by His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, is staunchly against illegal mining,” Hon. Fosu emphasized. “We will not allow them to destroy our land and bring about social vices like rape and teenage pregnancies that often accompany such activities.”

The assembly member reiterated the community’s unwavering stance against galamsey, highlighting the detrimental social impacts associated with such activities. He urged the government to swiftly intervene and enforce regulations to safeguard the community’s resources and well-being.

Story by :ABREWA NANA KWABENA TEWIAH TIK3SE3