Residents of the rural community of Adaase in Obuasi are becoming increasingly alarmed and uneasy due to the increase in illicit mining operations in the region.
The Obuasi Airport, the ongoing construction of military barracks, and other important assets in the region are still at risk from illegal mining.
Nana Kwabena Oyiakwan II, the Chief of Kwapia, organized a team from the National Investigations Bureau and the Police to conduct raids on the miners in the enclave as part of his efforts to combat illicit mining.
The security raid scooped up five illicit miners.
Speaking to the media after the arrest, Nana Kwabena Oyiakwan II explained the activities of the miners have destroyed arable lands and created life-threatening holes in the area.
He alleges 3,000 plots of land earmarked for the construction of a hostel facility to some illegal miners by traditional authorities in Akrokerri.
“This vast land you see around has been destroyed by galamseyers. Recently, a farmer had his oil palm plantation expected to feed his oil palm factory destroyed by these illegal miners, yet nobody seemed to be concerned,” he lamented.
Nana Oyiakwan indicated the AGA Airport, situated close to an illegal mining site, is being threatened.
He also claimed that the ‘Obuasi Goes Agro’ project could not materialise after farms allocated for the project were taken over and destroyed by illegal miners.
He blamed a former MCE for Obuasi for his involvement in the menace as he seeks legal action against him.
“The former MCE was deck-deep in galamsey, he was directly involved and superintended to the destruction of the lands here. I will initiate court processes against him,” he said.
The actions of Galamsey, according to some Adaase youth leaders, could jeopardize attempts to turn the neighborhood into a place where many people can live.
They said that the presence of the airport and a military camp drew business to the region.
Local resident Papa Yaw lamented the effects of the loss of farmlands and waterways.
