Choicenewsonline Your Choice Is Here
Tensions have escalated in the Ayensuano District of the Eastern Region as youth from Obuoho and Obuoho Fante took to the streets to protest against the alleged unlawful burning of excavators by officials of the Forestry Commission.
Clad in red and black, the agitated protesters marched through the communities, chanting slogans and calling for justice. They accused the Forestry Commission of overstepping its mandate by setting ablaze excavators used in small-scale mining activities, a move they described as an abuse of power and a deliberate attempt to destroy livelihoods.
The demonstrators are demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of the officials involved in the destruction of the equipment. Speaking to the media, some of the protesters expressed their frustration over what they perceive as selective enforcement of the law.
“Our communities depend on small-scale mining for survival. If the government wants to regulate the sector, there are proper ways to do it. Burning excavators is not only illegal but also inhumane,” a protester stated.
They further criticized what they called double standards in the fight against illegal mining, alleging that while some groups face severe actions, others continue to operate without interference.
Meanwhile, local authorities and security personnel were present at the scene to maintain order and prevent any possible clashes. The Forestry Commission has yet to respond to the allegations, but residents insist they will not relent until justice is served.
The protest highlights the growing tensions between communities engaged in small-scale mining and government agencies tasked with environmental protection, raising concerns about the need for a more balanced approach to tackling illegal mining.
