Some Asamang-Tamfoe residents have expressed their displeasure with the police and the Okyeman Environmental Taskforce for launching violent attacks that have left many severely injured.
In viral videos, the task force exchanged gunshots with residents during an anti-galamsey operation in the area.
In a statement to the media, Nana Boakye Darkwa, Chairman of the Asamang-Tamfoe Community Mining Committee, warned that they will oppose any attempt by unauthorized persons to mine in the area.
He also stated that they will oppose any attempt by any group, including the Small-Scale Miners Association, to engage in any mining activity.
“They came to the palace to tell us they wanted to mine in our town; we asked for their mining lease before granting them access, but it’s been over ten years and they still haven’t produced a toilet roll,” he said.
According to him, the government has provided them with all of the necessary assistance to begin community mining in order to save the lands from destruction by illegal miners.
“Today marks three months since Deputy Minister Mireku Duker officially launched community mining in Asunafo and Asamang-Tamfoe. We have since been righting the wrongs in order to begin working on the concession until the Eastern miners claimed ownership of our lands.”
“They took us to Linda Dor with my Twafohene, Nana Asenso, and Okyeame Dwumor and promised us a hundred thousand cedis and a monthly salary, but we rejected it and told them we are looking at the larger community’s interest,” he explained.
Also read: I am not into galamsey – Chairman Wontumi
At least sixteen people were arrested on Thursday in connection with a shooting incident in the Eastern Region’s Asamang Tamfoe.
The incident took place between some individuals suspected of being illegal miners and the Okyenhene Environmental Taskforce, which was led by the Chief of Kyebi-Apapam, Nana Okogeaman Apegya Fori II.
The police recovered one pump action gun, two excavators, and two water pumping machines during the operation.
On Friday morning, they were taken to the Koforidua High Court, but the court was not in session.
On Friday, a team from the Eastern Regional Police Command led by Regional Commander DCOP Anderson Fosu Ackaah visited the Asamang Tamfoe community to engage the people.
Source: JoyOnline
Follow Clicks ‘n Likes On Facebook for more updates
