Residents Accuse Barekesehene of Taking Cash to Endorse Illegal Mining
Residents of Barekese, the capital of the Atwima Nwabiagya North District in the Ashanti Region, have levelled serious accusations against their chief, Nana Amoabeng Brenya, alleging that he has taken money from a miner to endorse illegal mining activities in the community.
At a press conference led by spokesperson Mr. Arhin Amankwaatia, the aggrieved residents alleged that Emmanuel Kofi Twumasi, popularly known as EK, is spearheading galamsey operations in Barekese-Yard, a small farming community. According to them, Twumasi boasts openly that he has secured the concession through financial arrangements with the Barekesehene.
The residents claim this alleged deal has led to severe destruction of farmlands and pollution of water bodies, which are the backbone of farming and daily life in the area.
“Our rivers and streams have been turned into toxic, muddy waters while fertile farmlands are being wiped away. The future of Barekese is being sacrificed because of money paid to the chief,” Mr. Amankwaatia stated.
He added that several attempts by the community to engage Nana Amoabeng Brenya on the issue have yielded no positive results, deepening their frustration and sense of betrayal.
The residents are now appealing to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to step in and save Barekese from what they describe as an unfolding environmental disaster. They believe only the authority of the Asantehene can stop the destructive mining activities and hold those responsible to account.
Barekese’s plight has sparked wider concern, as the community is home to the Barekese Dam, a major water supply source for Kumasi and its surrounding areas. Locals warn that continued galamsey activities in the area could compromise the dam, posing a grave threat to water security for thousands of households.
Illegal mining remains one of Ghana’s most pressing environmental challenges, and Barekese now finds itself at the center of this national crisis. The residents have vowed to continue their protests until the alleged deal is exposed and the galamsey operations brought to an end.
