Galamsey’s Trail of Destruction: Farmland, Forests, and River Tano Decimated in Breman-Adomanya

 

The devastating impact of illegal mining (“galamsey”) on Ghana’s environment has once again been brought to the forefront, this time in the Breman-Adomanya forest area of the Wassa Amenfi West District in the Western Region. A shocking incident has highlighted not only the widespread environmental destruction but also the dangers faced by journalists attempting to report on these illegal activities.

Illegal mining operations, reportedly led by Chinese and Ghanaian individuals, have ravaged an estimated 261 acres of land in the Breman-Adomanya forest. The relentless pursuit of gold has resulted in the destruction of valuable timber trees, cocoa farms, and rubber plantations. Furthermore, the galamsey activities have led to the severe pollution of the nearby River Tano, a vital water source for local communities. Despite the open nature of these activities and the apparent knowledge of local police, the illegal miners have been able to operate with impunity.

The brazen nature of the galamsey operators was starkly demonstrated when Citi News’ Western Regional Correspondent, Akwasi Agyei Annim, and his team attempted to document the environmental devastation. Upon arriving at the site, they were met with immediate hostility. A security guard alerted the miners to their presence, prompting a swift and coordinated attack on the journalists.

The galamsey operators mobilized quickly, assaulting the journalists and forcefully seizing their equipment, including their camera, microphones, and Annim’s mobile phone. This act of aggression occurred in full view of a four-member police escort who had been assigned to protect the journalists. The lack of effective intervention from the police escort raises serious questions about their preparedness and ability to protect journalists operating in such dangerous environments.

A key figure identified as Yaw Kurankyi, suspected of facilitating the illegal mining by selling land to the operators, led the attack. He reportedly hurled insults at Annim and used his pickup truck to block the journalists’ exit, effectively detaining them at the site until 7 PM. The miners demanded that all recordings be deleted before the journalists would be allowed to leave.

It was only after police reinforcements arrived that the journalists were finally freed. However, they were given the assurance that the footage would be deleted at the Asankrangwa District Police Station. Upon arriving at the station, Yaw Kurankyi was arrested, and statements were taken from the journalists.

Adding to the sense of frustration and despair, Isaac Bekye, a concerned resident, lamented the ongoing environmental destruction and accused local authorities of turning a blind eye to the illegal activities. He stated that traditional authorities and other authorities have failed to listen to their complaints, with the galamseyers resorting to threats and violence to silence dissent. He pleaded with the operators, including Dabena and Egbegee companies, to cease their destructive activities.

Bekye also called on the government to take decisive action to protect the land and environment, urging the Lands and Natural Resources Minister to deploy heavy security forces to stop the destruction. When Citi News contacted the Asankrangwa Minerals Commission Officer, Clement Adzormah, to inquire about the status of Ebegee Mining Company Limited and Dabena Mining Company, Adzormah refused to provide information on whether they had permits to mine or if he had come across them during his monitoring activities. He directed Citi News to secure such information from his Headquarters in Accra.

The events in Breman-Adomanya paint a disturbing picture of the environmental devastation caused by galamsey, the dangers faced by journalists attempting to report on these activities, and the alleged complicity or inaction of local authorities. The story underscores the urgent need for decisive government action to protect Ghana’s environment and ensure the safety of journalists reporting on critical issues.