Tensions are mounting in Kwabeng, the capital of the Atiwa District in the Eastern Region, where irate youth have taken to the streets to protest the massive destruction of their lands and water bodies due to illegal mining (galamsey).
The demonstrators accuse their chief of failing to act while the community’s environment, livelihoods and future continue to deteriorate.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, youth leader Addo Dankwa Jnr. said the people of Kwabeng are “not at peace and not happy,” noting that several petitions to the palace have yielded no results.
“We lack development, and the galamsey activities are excessive. Soon, we may have nowhere to bury our loved ones because all our lands are being destroyed,” he lamented.
He warned that frustration among the youth is reaching dangerous levels and could lead to unrest if authorities fail to intervene urgently.
The youth are calling on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to step in immediately, halt an upcoming gathering reportedly planned by the chief, and compel local leadership to address the community’s grievances.
Their protest comes at a time when the national conversation around galamsey—its impact on rivers, farmlands and community safety—continues to intensify.
“The people have repeatedly petitioned the palace for change, but the kingsmen are still not listening,” Dankwa added. “The situation is troubling, and the chief is not addressing it. We urge the IGP to intervene, stop the chief from holding gatherings, and ensure our concerns are heard.”
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