Kwaku Sea peasant farmers protest against galamsey activities

Peasants and cocoa farmers in Kwaku Sea, a farming community in the West Akyem Municipality of the Eastern Region, have staged a protest over the activities of illegal miners, commonly known as galamsey, in the area.

The aggrieved farmers say the activities of these illegal miners would destroy their water bodies and farmland.

They alleged that their farmlands, which have been their source of livelihood for decades, have been sold to a mining firm who are forcibly driving them out to take possession.

The farmers indicated that if illegal mining activities are allowed to continue, it will destroy their farmlands and sources of drinking water, thereby depriving them of their livelihoods.

They appealed to President Akufo-Addo and the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akufo Dampare, to intervene and prevent potential violent conflicts.

Meanwhile, Joseph Adatoh, the Assemblyman for the Brakumanso-Kwaku Sea Electoral area, urged farmers not to sell or release their cocoa farms to illegal miners.

He emphasized their readiness to support them to resist any attempts by illegal mining companies to invade and destroy their farms.

Also, the Municipal Chief Executive for Lower West Akim Municipal Assembly, Seth Oduro-Boadu appealed to residents of Kwaku Sea to exercise patience and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.

He assured them that the Assembly would not allow any illegal activities in the area and would protect their farmlands and water bodies.