The Kusaug Diaspora Union (KUDU) has opposed the proposed Zongoiri Gold Mining Project near Binaba in the Upper East region, calling on the government to withdraw the plans immediately.

The project, led by Maripoma Mining Services, has sparked anger among the Kusaug people and residents, who say it threatens their health, water, farmlands, and cultural heritage.

In a statement signed by Dr Sharon Mumuni, Secretary of KUDU, the group described the project as “unconstitutional, unlawful, and unacceptable,” arguing that it violates both Ghana’s Constitution and international human rights laws.

KUDU says the 25-year mining lease granted to Maripoma has not been approved by Parliament as required by Article 268(1) of the Constitution. The group also claims that landowners were not consulted, and their consent was not sought, which is a breach of mining laws.

Health and environmental concerns are at the heart of the opposition. Zongoiri lies between the White and Red Volta rivers, key water sources for many communities. KUDU warns that mining could pollute these rivers with cyanide, mercury, and arsenic, citing similar cases in Talensi and Obuasi, where heavy metal contamination has harmed people’s health.

“Studies in Ghana and abroad link mining exposure to miscarriages, congenital disabilities, cancers, kidney and liver diseases,” the statement said. “The people of Kusaug cannot be treated as experimental subjects in another mining-induced disaster.”

Beyond health risks, KUDU says mining would destroy farmlands and displace thousands of farmers. The Kusaug area is largely agrarian, and farming remains the backbone of the region’s economy and culture.

The group also raised concerns about the potential destruction of cultural and ecological heritage, including the sacred Kianga waterfall and cultural groves, which form part of Kusaug’s identity. “Their destruction cannot be compensated with money,” the statement added.

To protect their people, KUDU is demanding an immediate suspension of all mining-related activities in Zongoiri, revocation of the mining lease granted to Maripoma, and an independent health and environmental study before any mining is considered.

The group also wants recognition of farming, water, and cultural rights of the Kusaug people, adoption of alternative community-led development projects in agriculture, tourism, and heritage preservation.

“Kusaug is not against development,” KUDU stressed. “But development must not come at the expense of our survival and dignity.”

The group has called on the President, the Chief of Staff, and relevant state agencies to act quickly to stop the project and protect the future of the Kusaug people.