Sunyani: The Chiefs and people of Atronie in the Sunyani Municipality of the Bono Region have issued a stern warning to small-scale, Chinese, and illegal miners attempting to prospect for gold or undertake galamsey activities to reverse their decisions or face the consequences.
According to Ghana News Agency, Diawusie Amponsem Darko II, the Chief of Atronie, emphasized that those who failed to heed the caution did so at their own peril, insisting, "For now, we prefer foodstuffs to gold." He expressed the community's determination to protect their water bodies and vegetation during an interaction with the people of Jinijini, Ayimo, and Amamaja, predominantly cocoa-growing communities that owe allegiance to the Atronie traditional stool.
Diawusie Darko II explained that his visit aimed to listen to and address emerging concerns and development needs of the communities, indicating, "Before I came here, I was informed that some individuals came here to carry out mining activities on this land." He mentioned that Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, Dormahene, had sent people to drive the miners away without informing him, the rightful custodian of the land.
The chief's investigations revealed that foreign nationals, believed to be Chinese, later came to the area to prospect for gold. "These Chinese people told the Assemblyman that they were commissioned by Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Badu II to mine here because, according to them, the land belongs to him," the chief alleged, stressing that Jinijini belongs to Atronie and is part of the Atronie Traditional Authority.
Diawusie Darko II thanked Mr. Stephen Tettey, the Assemblyman for the Yawsae Electoral Area, and the community members for standing firm against illegal mining. He noted, "You defended your land and directed them to the rightful authority, and that is the right thing to do." He emphasized that they would resist any intrusion to preserve their lands for future generations.
He clarified that Atronie did not share boundaries with the Dormaa Traditional Area, thus contesting any claims by the Dormaa people over the lands. "For the sake of peace and unity, I respectfully urge Dormaa to stay off Atronie lands. We respect all traditional authorities and expect the same respect in return," he advised.
Diawusie Darko II detailed the boundaries of Atronie, listing several villages and landmarks under its jurisdiction, insisting that all these lands belong to Atronie and will be protected from intrusion. He called on stakeholders wishing to operate in the area to follow due process by engaging the rightful authority to avoid conflict and maintain peace.
He urged the Atronie people to set aside their differences, remain vigilant, and unite to preserve their lands and cultural heritage, promoting the holistic development of the area. Nana Yaw Ampofo, the Secretary to the Atronie Traditional Authority, reminded the community of the detrimental effects of illegal mining, urging them to remain steadfast in preventing any such activities on the Atronie stool lands.
Earlier, Mr. Stephen Ayaba, a Unit Committee Member of the Yawsae Electoral Area and an opinion leader in the Jinijini community, expressed appreciation to the chiefs for their visit and assured them that the community would do everything possible to prevent illegal mining activities in the area.