Concerned Youth of Asante Akyem North have rejected any plan by government to introduce mining in their area, warning that even “responsible mining” could lead to illegal galamsey operations.
At a press conference on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, the group emphasized that the district’s fertile lands are better suited for cocoa farming, poultry, crop cultivation, and agro-processing, rather than mining. They urged the government to focus on agriculture and investment in local factories.
“We have survived on farming for decades, and mining would destroy our heritage and economic backbone,” said youth leader Tweneboah Koduah, adding that their movement is non-partisan and focused on protecting lands for future generations.
The protest was sparked by a recent statement from Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah suggesting government plans to expand “responsible mining” nationwide. The youth insisted that such initiatives cannot prevent the environmental and social risks of mining, including polluted water, degraded farmlands, and displacement of communities.
During the event, participants displayed placards reading “No mining here,” “Our Lands, Our Future,” and “Agribusiness, Not Galamsey,” reflecting widespread opposition across communities such as Behwe and Amanteman.
The youth vowed to mobilize chiefs, civil society groups, and residents to prevent any mining activities in Asante Akyem North, insisting that agriculture remains the district’s most sustainable path to development.
