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By: Stella Kyere- Bono
Chiefs and residents of Atronie in the Sunyani Municipality of the Bono Region have staged a protest over the worsening condition of the Amoma River, blaming illegal mining activities for the destruction of the water body and surrounding farmlands.
The irate residents, including women and children, blocked the town’s main road in the early hours of Monday to draw attention to what they described as the devastating impact of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, on the community.
According to the protesters, mining activities in the area have severely polluted the Amoma River, while extensive portions of farmlands have also been destroyed.
They said crops, forests and other vegetation had been damaged by the activities, depriving farmers of their livelihoods and threatening the sustainability of agriculture in the area.
The demonstration took a traditional dimension as residents chanted war songs, while traditional warriors clad in ancient regalia fired sporadic musketry amid drumming and dancing.
The protest was led by the traditional authorities, including the Chief of Atronie, Diwusie Nana Amponsen Darko II, alongside other sub-chiefs and queenmothers.
In a symbolic traditional intervention, Komfo Kwasi Nyantakyi, the fetish priest of the community, slaughtered a ram and performed rituals at the Amoma River.
The chiefs and residents are calling for urgent action to halt illegal mining activities and protect the Amoma River, farmlands and remaining vegetation from further destruction.
They warned that failure to address the situation could have serious consequences for the livelihoods of residents and the environmental sustainability of Atronie.
