Residence of Asaman Tamfoe in the Eastern Region of Ghana, have kicked against mining activities, which is gradually rearing its head in the area.
In a peaceful march against the phenomenon, residence took to the streets to register their displeasure with attempts to introduce community mining in the area.
They dread the consequences of mining activities, on a community, whose major source of income is farming.
In an interview, some of the residence took turns to express their fears over the potential of mining activities to erode the gains the people have made
Spokesperson for the group, Adade Wiredu noted as follows:
‘‘From what we hear from other places, mining has destroy the social fiber of the people. Most mining communities are noted for social vices such as teenage pregnancy, violence and other criminal activities. We will not sacrifice our peace for gold. We don’t need community mining in Asaman Tanfoe.’’
‘’We are farmers. That is how we have sustained ourselves. We cannot allow any form of mining activities in our area. That will destroy of farmlands and livelihood,’’ one protester stated.
‘‘They call it community mining, yet we do not know of a single person within this community who has acquired the necessary license to mine gold. All that we want is for our lands to be free from any form of mining’’, another visibly enraged resident suggested.
Despite their reservations, residence have vowed to use peaceful means to their grievances addressed by the government and political authorities.