Correspondence from Frank Addo Aboagye, Bono Region

For years, some communities in the Bono Region have mounted a strong and spirited resistance against illegal mining (Galamsey) a notorious activity that has destroyed several communities leading to biodiversity loss, land degradation, and loss of farmland, reducing the potential for agriculture and threatening food security.

This spirited community-led resistance etched on courageous protests, demonstrations, and grassroots initiatives continues to gain momentum as residents and their local leaders work hand-in-hand to ward off galamseyers who are seen as potential threats to the region’s water bodies, farmlands, and forest cover.

At the forefront of this community-led resistance is a border community called Atuna, a major cocoa, cashew, and food hub in the Jaman South Municipality of the Bono Region where the chiefs and people have declared the area as a “No Galamsey” zone. To them, the fight against galamsey is not just an environmental issue but a matter of economic survival for the residents, who are predominantly farmers, as their way of life will directly be threatened by illegal miners in their lure for gold.

Sitting on large deposits of gold reserve which is seen as a symbol of wealth, power, and prestige, no form of mining has ever commenced in Atuna and previous attempts by illegal miners to exploit the gold in the community faced fierce resistance from the residents led by the Chief of Atuna, Nana Appiah Kubi Ababio II and the Queen-mother, Nana Brago Kani II who have been instrumental in rallying their people to defend their lands.

Drawing useful lessons from communities in the Eastern, Ashanti, Western North, Western, and Central Regions which are still reeling under the “paradox of plenty” the people of Atuna are bent on protecting their lands which they hold in trust for the past, present, and future generations.

The story of this successful revolution in the interest of environmental justice by a community of about 5,000 inhabitants, who are standing up against the powerful galamsey industry, which has become an epidemic for most communities, is told through the lens of GhanaWeb’s Bono Regional Correspondent, Frank Addo Aboagye, who he visited the community on Monday, September 23, 2024.

Recounting events surrounding the resistance, the Queen-mother of Atuna and a pivotal figure in the struggle, Nana Brago Kani II, revealed how the community took a unanimous stance not to allow galamsey in the area due to its serious ramifications for both present and future generations.

“We were here when they came that they wanted to mine, so we met as a community and took a decision not to allow any galamsey here because we know the devastating effects in other places and since we are also farmers it will destroy our farmlands so we kicked against it.”

Nana Brago Kani II detailed that the resistance was more of a “David and Goliath” battle and “life and death” matter full of several machinations and intimidations considering that the powerful people in the galamsey industry but the community persevered and succeeded and they have resolved that the fight against galamsey is non-negotiable so they will continue the fight to the end without backing down.

“It was not an easy struggle because they were powerful people with money but because we persevered and won the fight and we will continue to fight till the end without being swayed by any form of inducement because of the future of the community.”

Contribution of the youth

The success of the resistance has largely been attributed to the support of the youth who are regarded as future leaders.

According to the Mmrantehene of Atuna, Nana Salifu Amaniampong Kumi, the support of the youth encouraged them to stand resolute. He commended them for rallying behind the chiefs when they needed them most.

“We could not have won this fight without the support of the youth because they were our bedrock throughout the fight so at no time were we afraid so I would like to commend them for their support.”

Community-based initiatives against galamsey

To ensure that their stance withstands the test of time, a series of measures including amplifying anti-galamsey messages through a song, titled “Yempe Galamsey”, by a local musician by the name Musah Konne, has been adopted as part of a galamsey-free campaign strategy.

Aside from that, the Assembly Member for the Atuna Electoral Area, Lawrence Yeboah, indicated that they have instituted an anti-galamsey task force which is always on the lookout for any sign of galamsey activities within the enclave as a way of harnessing the people’s power in protecting the environment.

“This community is for us and so we will do everything to protect the lands because it is our collective responsibility so we formed a community task force to help us deal with any form of galamsey that may surface in this area.”

Residents of Atuna, who are proud of the feat they have achieved so far, called on the government to support them in the fight by any means possible.

Watch the full report on Atuna below: