Yirenkyikrom: Angry youth in Yirenkyikrom, near Kwahu Fodoa in the Eastern Region, have reportedly blocked three excavators from entering the community over allegations that some lands had been sold to galamsey operators. The incident, which has sparked tension in the area, was captured in a viral video shared on X and sighted by GhanaWeb on May 22, 2026.
According to Ghana Web, in the video, the agitated youth can be seen preventing the excavators from passing through the community, insisting they would not allow any form of illegal mining activity in the area due to fears of environmental destruction. A lady was heard in the video saying the excavators are many and stating the number, "The excavators are many. They brought three excavators," she said.
Some of the youth, visibly angered by the development, were seen wielding axes and sticks as they stood their ground to block access to the excavators. Residents are said to be worried about the possible destruction of farmlands and water bodies if galamsey activities are allowed to take place in the community.
Although the exact circumstances surrounding the alleged sale of the lands remain unclear, the youth maintained that they would resist any attempt to introduce galamsey operations into Yirenkyikrom.