lllegal miners defy legal action in Atronsu, polluting local’s sole water source

In the small farming town of Atronsu, located near Sefwi Bekwai in the Western region, illegal miners, known locally as galamsey operators, have openly defied legal action taken against them by local farmers. Their activities have resulted in the pollution of the town’s only stream, raising serious concerns among the community.

The miners assert that they are operating under a community mining scheme. However, investigations by Erastus Asare Donkor and the team at the Multimedia Group reveal that these mining activities are illegal. Local farmers have been actively contesting a proposed community mining scheme in court, seeking to protect both their land and the sole water source essential for their farming operations.

Reports indicate that the miners do not belong to the community; instead, they have recruited several local young men to assist in their illicit activities. The locals, who resisted attempts to document the mining site with cameras, have expressed that they feel compelled to participate due to a lack of job opportunities and other means of livelihood.

One individual, identifying himself as an ex-convict, declared, “I may as well be imprisoned again than to give up the illegality,” highlighting the desperation faced by those involved.

The farmers have reported that the illegal mining operations have polluted the stream on two separate occasions, severely impacting their ability to irrigate their crops. On these instances, the water used by the miners overflowed its embankment and contaminated the stream, worsening the situation.

Determined to protect their future, the farmers have vowed not to remain passive while these illegal activities continue. “We will not sit aloof for the illegality to continue as our very future is at risk,” they emphasized, rallying for action against the miners.