By Adnan Adams Mohammed
Frustration over ineffective law enforcement against illegal mining has pushed residents of Berekum East and West Municipalities to prepare for street protests against ongoing galamsey operations in Biadan, Benkasa, and Amomaso.
Youth groups, including Berekum Youth for Development and Accountability, Berekumman Citizens Association, and Berekum Citizens and Associates, alongside local farmers, accuse authorities of failing to maintain permanent security presence at mining sites.
Highlighting the gaps in state interventions, Biadan farmer Amankona Johnson noted that illegal miners return almost immediately after security sweeps end.
“Although we acknowledge the Regional Minister’s commitment to fighting illegal mining, enforcement against galamsey in the Bono Region is weak,” Johnson stated. “Miners often return to the sites shortly after security operations, raising questions about the effectiveness of the anti-galamsey efforts.”
At a press conference on July 31, 2026, Professor Daniel Obeng Ofori emphasized that the group is not opposed to lawful enterprise, but rather destructive illegal operations.
“While responsible and regulated mining has its place, the operations currently taking place in Biadan, Benkasa, and Amomaso are illegal and pose a serious threat to agriculture and the environment,” Professor Obeng Ofori noted. “Future generations will judge today’s leaders harshly if they fail to stop these activities.”
Local leaders warned that community patience has run out. Nana Abdule Karim Mathew, family head of Amomaso, declared that residents are ready to defend their land.
“Residents will resist every attempt by illegal miners to take over our lands,” Nana Mathew warned.
Organizers insist the protest will proceed unless government authorities implement decisive, long-term anti-galamsey operations in the region.
