Residents from several towns across Abuakwa South and Fanteakwa South Districts need help fast. People living in Potrase, Osino, Kibi, Asikam, and Asiakwa face serious problems as illegal gold mining ruins their water and forests. The local communities say their pleas for assistance have gone unanswered as environmental damage spreads. They point to specific individuals who they claim operate above the law, thanks to powerful friends.
According to locals, two men are at the center of these problems. Community members identify Ofori-Panyin Fraizer and Eric Antwi as major players in the destructive mining activities. Residents claim these men worked as security for former President Nana Akufo-Addo. The accused miners reportedly brag about their important connections and say nobody can stop their operations.
Even more concerning, locals believe government agencies meant to protect the environment actually help these miners. They specifically named Dr. Jones Kumi Agyei from the Forestry Commission as someone who aids illegal operations. Dr. Agyei recently moved from the Eastern Region to the Ashanti Region under suspicious circumstances. Many people familiar with the situation say he provides access to protected forests and shields miners from consequences.
Dr. Agyei reportedly showed up at a mining meeting in Akyem Tafo as someone who holds mining rights. His interest in the proposed Gold Board raises questions about conflicts of interest. Many people working in mining say his involvement with illegal operations near Kibi remains widely known but unaddressed by authorities.
The damage from these activities affects daily life across these communities. Rivers look muddy and contain harmful chemicals instead of clean water. Trees disappear at alarming rates, causing worse flooding when it rains. Skin problems and waterborne sickness spread among residents who lack clean water. Farmers struggle as irrigation becomes impossible, threatening food supplies for everyone nearby.
Local elders are asking President John Dramani Mahama for urgent intervention. They want police and military forces to stop these mining operations immediately. An elder from Asiakwa explained how their rivers die and their lands are destroyed. The residents worry that without fast action, everything they depend on will vanish permanently.
The situation leaves many wondering if powerful connections truly put certain people beyond punishment. Communities throughout Abuakwa South and Fanteakwa South hope authorities will finally listen to their concerns. These districts wait anxiously to see if government officials will protect ordinary citizens or allow powerful interests to continue harming their environment.
According to locals, two men are at the center of these problems. Community members identify Ofori-Panyin Fraizer and Eric Antwi as major players in the destructive mining activities. Residents claim these men worked as security for former President Nana Akufo-Addo. The accused miners reportedly brag about their important connections and say nobody can stop their operations.
Even more concerning, locals believe government agencies meant to protect the environment actually help these miners. They specifically named Dr. Jones Kumi Agyei from the Forestry Commission as someone who aids illegal operations. Dr. Agyei recently moved from the Eastern Region to the Ashanti Region under suspicious circumstances. Many people familiar with the situation say he provides access to protected forests and shields miners from consequences.
Dr. Agyei reportedly showed up at a mining meeting in Akyem Tafo as someone who holds mining rights. His interest in the proposed Gold Board raises questions about conflicts of interest. Many people working in mining say his involvement with illegal operations near Kibi remains widely known but unaddressed by authorities.
The damage from these activities affects daily life across these communities. Rivers look muddy and contain harmful chemicals instead of clean water. Trees disappear at alarming rates, causing worse flooding when it rains. Skin problems and waterborne sickness spread among residents who lack clean water. Farmers struggle as irrigation becomes impossible, threatening food supplies for everyone nearby.
Local elders are asking President John Dramani Mahama for urgent intervention. They want police and military forces to stop these mining operations immediately. An elder from Asiakwa explained how their rivers die and their lands are destroyed. The residents worry that without fast action, everything they depend on will vanish permanently.
The situation leaves many wondering if powerful connections truly put certain people beyond punishment. Communities throughout Abuakwa South and Fanteakwa South hope authorities will finally listen to their concerns. These districts wait anxiously to see if government officials will protect ordinary citizens or allow powerful interests to continue harming their environment.
