Protect our farmers, protect our lands

Farmers in Ghana's Sunyani Municipality are living in fear as illegal miners, known as galamsey operators, aggressively move onto their farmlands. Residents of Yawsan, Jinijini, Amomaja, and Atronie report that armed individuals are using heavy equipment, brought in under the cover of darkness, to seize lands vital for cocoa and cashew cultivation.

More than 500 farmers are facing the destruction of their livelihoods. The farmers' spokesperson, Mr. Kwaku Tetteh, described the situation as living "in the dark," highlighting the fear and uncertainty gripping the communities. The Assemblyman for Yawsan Electoral Area, Mr. Stephen Kwaku Tegepetey, confirmed that galamsey is new to the region and strongly opposed by residents who fear damage to their farms and pollution of water bodies like the Amomaja River.

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We are just living in the dark.

Despite reports to local authorities, including the Bono Regional Police Command, and statements from the Sunyani Traditional Council, no decisive action has been taken. The discovery of nine excavators and six chanfang machines by a local task force indicates a well-organized and resourced operation. The Ghanaian Times emphasizes that the fight against illegal mining requires swift and sustained enforcement, questioning the responsiveness of security agencies and the potential for intelligence failures or complicity.

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We are farmers and we do not want galamsey to destroy our cocoa and cashew farms and pollute our water bodies.