Residents of Aboabo, within the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipality in the Western North Region, have endorsed the activities of illegal miners who are causing extensive damage to farmlands, plantations, river bodies, and the Anhwiaso East Forest Reserve.
The community contends that these unauthorized miners are driving their infrastructural development initiatives, citing unsuccessful attempts to secure government-led development in the area.
Large portions of land, including about 50 acres of cocoa farms and plantations in the Anhwiaso East Forest, bear the scars of destruction caused by these miners.
Multiple forest reserves across eight zones in the municipality have fallen victim to illegal mining, posing a threat to rivers like Aboabo and Aframpuye, which flow into the River Ankrobra.
Some Aboabo residents express support for the miners, acknowledging the adverse effects but asserting that their infrastructural needs are being met in the absence of substantial government intervention.
Theophilus Kwofie, a resident, states, “The community benefits from the activities of the illegal miners. They have helped reshape the bad road network, provided potable water, and educational facilities. We are okay with the work they do.”
Residents argue that illegal miners have played a crucial role in providing water, improving education, and enhancing road networks.
However, concerns arise about the involvement of some New Patriotic Party executives allegedly connected to concessions, potentially fueling illegal mining activities. Local farmer Samuel Kyem urges authorities to intervene and prevent further environmental devastation.
Paul Andoh, the Municipal Chief Executive, confirms active investigations by the Municipal Security Council.
He emphasized that the lack of development should not justify the persistence of illegal mining.
During a visit, excavators and equipment used by illegal miners were observed to still be present in the community.