The chiefs and people of the Atuna Traditional Area in the Jaman South Municipality of the Bono Region have warned against any form of mining activity within their jurisdiction, reaffirming their long-standing “No Galamsey” stance.
At a press briefing in Atuna, the Paramount Chief, Okogyeaman Akwanbresie, made it clear that the community would not tolerate either legal or illegal mining, describing such activities as a direct threat to the environment, livelihoods, and future of the people.
The warning follows a public engagement involving officials from the Minerals Commission, the Ghana Geological Survey Authority, the Ghana Gold Board, and the Jaman South Municipal Chief Executive, who visited the community over reports of a possible mining concession.
“Resetting is not destruction,” the chief declared, stressing that development must not come at the expense of the land and its people. “No part of Atuna land will be made available for mining under any circumstances,” he added.
Reports suggest that the Minerals Commission has allegedly gazetted portions of Atuna land to a company identified as Oasis Limited for mining, following surveys reportedly conducted by the Ghana Geological Survey Authority and the Gold Board.
The claims have sparked outrage among traditional leaders and residents, who insist they were neither consulted nor informed about the decision.
For decades, Atuna, a predominantly farming border community known for cocoa and cashew production, has resisted attempts to introduce mining activities. Widely regarded as a key food-producing hub, the area depends heavily on agriculture as its economic backbone.
Community leaders warned that mining activities would devastate farmlands, pollute water bodies, and destroy the livelihoods of thousands of farmers.
Despite sitting on what is believed to be significant gold deposits, the people of Atuna have consistently rejected any form of mining. Previous attempts by illegal miners to operate in the area were met with fierce resistance led by the traditional council.
Okogyeaman Akwanbresie further cautioned that any government agency, corporate entity, or individual seeking to initiate mining operations in Atuna should immediately desist or face the full opposition of the community.
Backing the Paramount Chief, the Queenmother of Atuna, Nana Asantewa Boateng Bemeh, reaffirmed the traditional authority’s position, declaring that no mining activity — whether state-sponsored or private — would be permitted on their land.
“Our land is our life, and we will not allow it to be destroyed under any arrangement,” she stated.
Meanwhile, the Kyidomhene of Atuna, Nana Benneh, together with the Okyeame of the Atuna Traditional Council, Osei Kwame Bonsu Okatakyie, alleged that some authorities and high-profile individuals had prior knowledge of the reported lease granted to Oasis Limited by the Minerals Commission.
The traditional leaders are demanding transparency and accountability and are calling for an immediate halt to any processes that could lead to mining activities in the area.
As tensions continue to rise, the people of Atuna say they remain resolute in defending their land, protecting their environment, and preserving their agricultural livelihoods against what they describe as an existential threat.
Report by Daniel Donkor/GBCghana.com
