Farmers at Yard Community Appeal to Otumfuo for Help as Galamsey Destroys Cocoa Farms

Farmers at Yard Community Appeal to Otumfuo for Help as Galamsey Destroys Cocoa Farms

Farmers in Yard, a quiet farming community in the Ahafo Ano South-West District of the Ashanti Region, are making a passionate appeal to the government and Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to intervene, as illegal mining activities commonly known as galamsey continue to destroy their cocoa farms and livelihoods.

According to the farmers, unauthorized miners have taken over their lands, destroying acres of productive cocoa farms without compensation or warning. Mr. Awuni, an elderly farmer in the community, expressed his distress during an interview with the media. He alleged that the galamsey operators were acting under the authority of Nana Amoapem Brenya I, the chief of Barekese in the Atwima Nwabiagya North Municipality, who reportedly claimed ownership of the land and had earlier promised compensation but has since failed to honour that agreement.

“A 4-acre cocoa farm that I’ve laboured over for years has been completely destroyed. At my age, I now feel hopeless with no way forward,” Mr. Awuni lamented.

The affected farmers are calling on the government, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and other stakeholders to come to their rescue before more damage is done to their lands and means of survival. They are also urging authorities to investigate the role of local leadership in facilitating or permitting these destructive mining operations.