The Concerned Youth of Asante Akyem North have vehemently opposed any attempt by government to introduce mining activities in their area, warning that such a move would inevitably pave the way for galamsey operations. According to them, no form of mining—responsible or otherwise—is welcome on their lands.
Speaking at a well-attended press conference today, the youth stressed that Asante Akyem North is naturally endowed with fertile lands ideal for agribusiness. They explained that the district is far more suitable for cocoa farming, poultry production, crop cultivation and agro-processing than for mining. What they need, they said, are agricultural factories, not mining concessions.
The group emphasized that since their childhood, they have never seen mining in Asante Akyem North, and for decades the people have survived on farming as their main source of livelihood. Allowing mining now, they argued, would destroy their heritage and the economic backbone of the constituency.
Their concerns heightened following a recent statement by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Armah Kofi Buah, suggesting that government intends to introduce what he described as “responsible mining” across the country. The youth said this comment has given them a strong indication that their lands may be targeted.
According to them, attempts to brand mining as “responsible” do not change the well-documented risks associated with it. They insisted that once mining begins, uncontrolled galamsey operations often follow, leading to polluted water bodies, degraded farmlands and the displacement of farming communities.
The youth therefore called on government to immediately abandon any plan to introduce mining in Asante Akyem North. They also urged their Member of Parliament to come out boldly and declare his position, stating that the people deserve transparency on matters that threaten their survival.
Youth leader Tweneboah Koduah, who addressed the gathering, stressed that their movement is not partisan. He explained that they are fighting to protect their lands for future generations and to promote farming and agribusiness as the district’s best path to sustainable development.
During the press conference, participants displayed placards with inscriptions such as “No Mining Here,” “Our Lands, Our Future,” “We Reject Responsible Mining,” and “Agribusiness, Not Galamsey.” These messages, they said, reflect the collective will of the people.
Communities such as Behwe, Amanteman, and several others joined forces at the event, demonstrating cohesion across the constituency. Residents from these areas said they rely heavily on farming and fear that mining could erase decades of hard-won progress.
The youth vowed to resist any attempt—by government, private companies, or local actors—to introduce mining into Asante Akyem North. They pledged to mobilize chiefs, civil society groups, and more community members to ensure that their lands remain protected for agriculture, investment, and the wellbeing of future generations.
The Concerned Youth of Asante Akyem North have vehemently opposed any attempt by government to introduce mining activities in their area, warning that such a move would inevitably pave the way for galamsey operations. According to them, no form of mining—responsible or otherwise—is welcome on their lands.
Speaking at a well-attended press conference today, the youth stressed that Asante Akyem North is naturally endowed with fertile lands ideal for agribusiness. They explained that the district is far more suitable for cocoa farming, poultry production, crop cultivation and agro-processing than for mining. What they need, they said, are agricultural factories, not mining concessions.
The group emphasized that since their childhood, they have never seen mining in Asante Akyem North, and for decades the people have survived on farming as their main source of livelihood. Allowing mining now, they argued, would destroy their heritage and the economic backbone of the constituency.
Their concerns heightened following a recent statement by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Armah Kofi Buah, suggesting that government intends to introduce what he described as “responsible mining” across the country. The youth said this comment has given them a strong indication that their lands may be targeted.
According to them, attempts to brand mining as “responsible” do not change the well-documented risks associated with it. They insisted that once mining begins, uncontrolled galamsey operations often follow, leading to polluted water bodies, degraded farmlands and the displacement of farming communities.
The youth therefore called on government to immediately abandon any plan to introduce mining in Asante Akyem North. They also urged their Member of Parliament to come out boldly and declare his position, stating that the people deserve transparency on matters that threaten their survival.
Youth leader Tweneboah Koduah, who addressed the gathering, stressed that their movement is not partisan. He explained that they are fighting to protect their lands for future generations and to promote farming and agribusiness as the district’s best path to sustainable development.
During the press conference, participants displayed placards with inscriptions such as “No Mining Here,” “Our Lands, Our Future,” “We Reject Responsible Mining,” and “Agribusiness, Not Galamsey.” These messages, they said, reflect the collective will of the people.
Communities such as Behwe, Amanteman, and several others joined forces at the event, demonstrating cohesion across the constituency. Residents from these areas said they rely heavily on farming and fear that mining could erase decades of hard-won progress.
The youth vowed to resist any attempt—by government, private companies, or local actors—to introduce mining into Asante Akyem North. They pledged to mobilize chiefs, civil society groups, and more community members to ensure that their lands remain protected for agriculture, investment, and the wellbeing of future generations.
