Yard Farmers Cry for Otumfuo’s Intervention as Galamsey Destroys Cocoa Farms Under Alleged Chief’s Backing
Farmers in the Yard community, a predominantly agricultural area in the Ahafo Ano South-West District of the Ashanti Region, are crying out for urgent intervention from government authorities and the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, as illegal mining activities—commonly referred to as galamsey—continue to ravage their farmlands.
The affected farmers, whose livelihoods depend heavily on cocoa cultivation, lament that their hard-earned farms have been destroyed by individuals engaged in illegal mining operations allegedly sanctioned by a traditional authority outside their jurisdiction.
Speaking to the media, a devastated farmer, Mr. Awuni, revealed that the miners arrived in the area claiming they had the approval of Nana Amoapem Brenya I, the chief of Barekese in the Atwima Nwabiagya North Municipality. According to Mr. Awuni, the chief reportedly informed them that he had control over the disputed land and assured the farmers that they would be compensated after the mining activity.
“They promised us compensation and asked us to allow them to work. But after they destroyed my entire 4-acre cocoa farm, no one has come back to even say a word. At my age, I have nothing left. My only source of livelihood has been taken from me,” Mr. Awuni recounted, holding back tears.
The emotional toll on the farmers has been heavy, with many of them, especially the elderly, describing the situation as hopeless. For years, these farmers have nurtured cocoa plantations, which serve as the backbone of their economic survival. Now, they say they are left with nothing but pits, polluted water bodies, and broken promises.
The farmers are appealing directly to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, revered for his commitment to protecting the lands and people of the Ashanti Kingdom, to intervene and help restore their livelihoods. They are also calling on the Ahafo Ano South-West District Assembly, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Forestry Commission, and other regulatory bodies to investigate the matter and take appropriate action.
Residents of Yard have expressed shock and disappointment that a chief from a different municipality could grant mining rights on lands used by farmers without proper consultation and due process. They argue that such actions not only promote lawlessness but also erode trust in traditional leadership structures.
“This is not just about farming. It’s about justice. It’s about our right to live and work on our own land. We cannot allow illegal miners and people with influence to come and destroy everything we’ve worked for,” another farmer emphasized.
Illegal mining continues to pose a major threat to Ghana’s environment, particularly in cocoa-growing areas, where fertile lands are being destroyed at an alarming rate. As calls grow louder from affected communities like Yard, all eyes are now on traditional and governmental leadership to take swift action before more farms—and futures—are buried under the weight of galamsey.
