Berekum residents to protest over alleged destruction linked to illegal mining
Report by Daniel Donkor Residents of the Berekum East and West Municipalities in Ghana’s Bono Region are set to stage a major demonstration on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, against illegal mining widely known as galamsey as outrage intensifies over the destruction of farmlands and the contamination of key water bodies in Biadan, Benkasa and Amomaso. […]
Ghana's Berekum East and West Municipalities will witness a large protest against illegal mining, known as galamsey, on August 11, 2026. This demonstration, organized by Berekum Citizens and Associates, Berekumman Citizens Association, and Berekum Youth for Development and Accountability, aims to compel authorities to halt illegal mining operations and ensure responsible mining by licensed companies.
The protest, dubbed "Stop The Illegal Mining Now," is being held due to the destruction of farmlands and pollution of vital water bodies in Biadan, Benkasa, and Amomaso. Residents' livelihoods are at risk as the continued degradation of fertile land could lead to severe food shortages. Nana Oppong Boateng Dartey II, Chairman of Berekum Citizens and Associates and Dabehene of the Berekum Traditional Area, expressed disappointment in the lack of action from authorities, stating that the issue is a calamity that needs immediate resolution.
The protest comes after a previous demonstration three months ago that resulted in no meaningful outcomes. Nana Dartey firmly believes that the authorities' claim of responsible mining is untrue, as they fail to see any responsibility in the destruction of their lands. The environmental degradation has become increasingly severe, with rivers once used for irrigation and cooking now polluted and unsuitable for such purposes.
The pace of destruction signals an impending crisis, with residents fearing the situation will worsen in the next six months or a year.
In addition to environmental damage, illegal miners have gained control over farmlands, restricting access for local farmers. The presence of armed individuals in mining areas has also heightened insecurity. Nana Dartey emphasized that if these lands and water bodies are lost, so will be the future of these communities. He declared that Berekum residents will not accept galamsey on their lands and, if necessary, will use legal means to halt the destruction.
Written by urgent.news from GBC Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written; read the original for the full account.
