Concerned youth from Asante Akyem Atwedie in the Asante Akyem South Municipality of the Ashanti Region have appealed to Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to intervene in the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
The youth lament that illegal mining activities are severely polluting their water bodies, making access to clean drinking water increasingly difficult.
They stress that the issue poses a major health risk to the community, which already struggles with limited resources.
Speaking on behalf of the youth, Assembly Member Patrick Antwi Karikari expressed frustration over failed attempts to get authorities to address the issue.
He stated that despite several reports to the appropriate agencies, no concrete action has been taken, prompting the community to seek the Asantehene’s intervention.
Beyond the fight against illegal mining, Mr. Karikari also used the opportunity to appeal for a Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound in Atwedie.
According to him, establishing a healthcare center would greatly improve access to medical services for residents, particularly those in remote areas.
Meanwhile, some residents who spoke to Angel TV/FM’s Oheneba Siaw accused the local traditional leaders, including the Odikro and Queen Mother, of being complicit in the galamsey operations.
They argued that illegal mining activities could not thrive in the area without the approval or involvement of these authorities.
The residents are therefore calling for transparency from their traditional leaders and demanding urgent measures to halt the environmental destruction caused by galamsey.
