The Member of Parliament for Amenfi Central, Joana Gyan Cudjoe, has made a passionate appeal to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, to intervene in the ongoing military operations targeting miners in the constituency, describing the situation as unbearable for residents and local miners.
According to the MP, the presence of soldiers in mining communities across Amenfi Central over the past three days has created fear, tension, and economic hardship for many families who depend on mining activities for survival.
She indicated that miners have been unable to work peacefully or even sleep comfortably due to the continuous operations being carried out by the security personnel.
Hon. Joana Gyan Cudjoe expressed deep concern over the destruction and burning of mining equipment and other properties belonging to local miners, stressing that the actions are causing severe financial losses to hardworking citizens struggling to earn a living.
Speaking on behalf of affected residents, the MP pleaded with the sector minister to show compassion and adopt a more humane and dialogue-driven approach in dealing with the situation in the constituency.
“For the past three days, soldiers have not allowed us to sleep or work peacefully. We are suffering too much. Many machines and properties are being destroyed and burnt, causing heavy losses to hardworking people trying to survive,” she lamented.
She further noted that the people of Amenfi Central made significant sacrifices and worked tirelessly during the electioneering period to help secure victory in the constituency and therefore deserve fairness, understanding, and peaceful engagement instead of destruction and intimidation.
“We sacrificed and worked hard to help win this seat, and we are pleading for understanding, fairness, and dialogue instead of destruction. Please intervene and bring peace to Amenfi Central,” she appealed.
The issue of illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, remains one of Ghana’s most pressing national challenges due to its devastating effects on water bodies, forests, and farmlands.
Over the years, government has intensified military and security operations to clamp down on illegal mining activities across several parts of the country.
However, some political leaders, community members, and mining stakeholders have consistently called for a balanced approach that combines environmental protection with livelihood support and stakeholder consultation to avoid worsening the economic difficulties of affected communities.
The appeal by Hon. Joana Gyan Cudjoe is expected to spark further discussions on how government can effectively tackle illegal mining while ensuring that innocent residents and legitimate livelihoods are protected.
Residents in Amenfi Central are now hoping for swift intervention from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to restore calm and promote peaceful coexistence between security agencies and local mining communities.
