Residents of Wassa Oseneso in the Wassa East District are expressing heightened frustration and fear as illegal mining activities (galamsey) intensify in the area, threatening their health, livelihoods, and local environment.
According to residents, water bodies are increasingly polluted, farmlands are being destroyed, and major access roads are deteriorating due to the operations of the miners. Despite several complaints lodged over the months, they say the situation continues to worsen.
Tensions in the community have escalated, with some residents accusing their chief, Nana Gyesi, of allegedly permitting the activities in exchange for personal benefits. These allegations have deepened resentment and fueled calls for immediate intervention.
“The damage being done to our farms and water sources is unbearable. We’ve spoken to the chief several times, but he turns a deaf ear because he gains from these miners,” an angry resident lamented.
The community is calling on the Inspector General of Police, central government, and all relevant regulatory bodies to step in urgently. Some residents warn that if authorities fail to act, they may be compelled to take matters into their own hands.
In a brief telephone interview, Chief Nana Gyesi II denied any wrongdoing, stating that he is already taking steps to address the concerns. He announced plans to hold a press conference within a week to clarify the situation and respond to the allegations.
