Residents of Bompata in the Asante Akim South District of the Ashanti Region are up in arms against authorities over planned mining activities in the area.
The residents, as a result, on Sunday, defied a police order and staged a mammoth demonstration to express their displeasure against any intended mining activities, whether legal, illegal, community mining or otherwise, within the Bompata Traditional area.
The protestors assembled at the Bompata market, marched through the principal streets of Bompata to Wenkyi with placards, some of which read ‘Stop mining, preserve our lands, water bodies and future, Bompata United is against all forms of mining, Bompata say no to mining’ among others.
They finally returned to Bompata market, where one Mr Joseph Baah, a member of the organisers, addressed the demonstrators, stating that it has come to their attention that BB Brothers Limited, a mining company based in Accra, and some individuals are making efforts to commence mining operations at Bompata Traditional area.
“We residents of Bompata completely reject and oppose any such plans,” he stated categorically, adding that their opposition is based on insecurity, environmental hazards, social, economic and health consequences that mining activities have caused in other parts of the country, and they will not allow their land to suffer the same.
He concluded by announcing to the demonstrators that a petition will be presented to the Omanhene of Bompata Traditional Area, the Municipal Chief Executive, Asante Akim South and the Juaso District Police Commander on their demands.
