Illegal small-scale mining operations have completely taken over the Asante Akyem Benimase community, causing widespread environmental destruction.
Miners are openly extracting gold in blatant disregard of Ghana’s mining laws. Despite the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), which forbids mining within settlements and within fifty meters of public roads, these illicit activities continue unabated.
A news team in Kumasi visited the area and found the situation especially alarming in Asante Akyem Benimase, located in the Asante Akyem Central Municipal of the Ashanti Region. The entire community has effectively been transformed into unauthorized mining sites.
The main road, once a crucial transportation route, is now scarred by massive pits, excavators, and other mining equipment, with local authorities seemingly turning a blind eye to the illegal operations.
Illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, appears to be flourishing with the tacit approval of community leaders. What used to be a key thoroughfare is now dotted with artisanal washing bays and large open pits where miners openly process gold.
When confronted about their activities, some miners defended their work, insisting that mining is their only way to survive.
“Mind your own business. Has anyone stopped you from working? Why should we stop? This is what we do, and we have nothing to do with the government,” one miner said.
Local residents expressed deep concern over the ongoing illegal mining, lamenting the destruction of all river bodies in Asante Akyem Benimase caused by these activities.
They revealed that several mining sites are dangerously close to residential areas, putting communities at risk. They explained that “from your house even if you throw water, it goes straight into the mining pit.”
“All the river bodies now are destroyed,” they said, adding that residents feel powerless and have urged the government to intervene and stop the destruction.
The community warned that if authorities continue to delay action, “from the tiniest toddler to the oldest granny would go on the field to get them (all miners) out.”
Residents also accused the Chief of Asante Akyem Benimase, Nana Akwasi Fosu Gyeabour, of colluding with Chinese miners involved in the galamsey operations.
“If the chief is not aware of the presence of the illegal miners why are they building community centre for us. We are petitioning Asantehene to intervene in this matter to save the situation.”
