Atobriso Residents Resist Galamsey As Miners Target Cocoa Farms..

Traditional leaders and residents of Atobriso in the Kwaebibrem Municipality of the Eastern Region are up in arms over the alleged destruction of cocoa farms by illegal miners.

The community says some individuals are attempting to sell portions of family lands to galamsey operators without the consent of the landowners.

The family of the affected cocoa farm has therefore issued a strong warning to the miners to take their money back from anyone who sells the land to them, insisting that they will not allow illegal mining activities in the Atobriso community.

The Amankrado of Atobriso 2, Nene Tenkyeme III, says he is worried that the actions of one individual could lead to the destruction of an entire cocoa farm belonging to a family.

He has appealed to the government and security agencies to intervene immediately to protect the community’s cocoa farmlands from illegal mining.

Nene Tenkyeme III has also cautioned individuals against buying lands at Atobriso for galamsey, stressing that the traditional authorities will not permit illegal mining activities in the community.

Meanwhile, members of the affected family insist that the land in question is family property and can not be sold by an individual for illegal mining.

Residents say they are against galamsey because of its potential impact on their cocoa farms, plantations and water bodies.

They are therefore appealing to the government and relevant security agencies to step in and help protect their lands and natural resources before illegal mining activities cause further destruction.

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