The Asante Youth Association (AYA), a pressure group, is demanding the removal of the heads of the Forestry Commission and the Minerals Commission in the Ashanti Region over the environmental devastation caused by illegal mining activities.

According to the group, these officials have sat aloof to allow illegal mining, commonly referred as galamsey, to thrive in the region, destroying water bodies, lands and other natural resources.

In a press statement, the group wants the immediate sacking of the regional managers, who should also be held accountable for the menace.

“We demand, with immediate effect, the removal of the Ashanti Regional Manager of the Forestry Commission, the Ashanti Regional Manager of the Minerals Commission, and their district managers who have allowed galamsey to thrive under their watch. These officials have failed to protect our natural resources, and they must be held accountable,” portions of the statement read. 

The statement continued: “If the government fails to act swiftly and remove these negligent officials, the Asante Youth Association will be compelled to take positive defiance actions against these technocrats who have failed in their duty to protect our land and people”.

Water resources and arable lands in the region have been heavily damaged by the unrelenting activities of illegal miners.

The Ghana Water Limited in the region has bemoaned the heavy pollution of some of its treatment plants that supply water to some communities within its catchments of operation.

The water distributor revealed an imminent water crisis in Obuasi owing to the contamination of the Oda River that supplies water to the mining communities.

“In various communities across the Ashanti Region, particularly in areas like Obuasi and the Manso enclave, illegal mining has caused massive destruction. Water sources have been polluted, exposing residents to harmful chemicals such as mercury and cyanide. This has led to serious health consequences, including respiratory and waterborne diseases, posing grave risks to the well-being of entire communities,” the statement read.

With the glaring impacts of galamsey on the environment and to human existence, the group wants decisive measures taken to halt the activity that is happening in almost every nook and cranny of the region.

AYA is requesting that the government supports the Ashanti regional Water Resources Management Unit with requisite resources and also decentralize the offices of the Minerals Commission, Forestry Commission and Water Resources Management to every district.

The youth association is also commending the Organised Labour for standing their ground against all mining activities – both legal and illegal.

“We fully stand by their decision to halt these operations that have caused irreparable damage to our environment, communities, and future. It is time to put an end to galamsey and safeguard the future of our environment, health, and communities,” the statement added.