Smallholder farmers in the Birim North District are losing their crops and farmlands to irresponsible mining activities.
Not only are these farmlands being destroyed, but the Pra River is also facing severe pollution.
Helena Korkor is lost in thought, wondering where her next meal will come from.
Few weeks ago, her 40 year oil palm and cocoa farms in Tweapease number two were destroyed for mining activities.
Her tears reflect the struggle to find daily bread for her four dependents.
” My Blood Pressure has gone beyond the normal because of the depression I am going through, I can only plead that , I am compensated for my crops destroyed on the farm, how do I feed my four other children ” she questioned crying uncontrollable.
In the Akyem Abodom community, arable lands have been auctioned to miners under questionable circumstances.
Their staple oil palm plantation production is gradually decreasing.
” Our crops aren’t growing well again, it gets worse when you use the Pra River, the Okro, garden eggs fold and burn, Akua Tiwaah lamented
Portions of the Pra river have been diverted and polluted, rendering it unusable for residents due to high turbidity levels .
Streams at the estuary point of the Pra River in Akyem Abodom is worsening daily.
A clear violation of the Water Resources Commission Act 1996, Act 522, subsections 22 and 24, and contradicting government efforts to meet Sustainable development goals targets set by the United Nations by 2030.
The Kotoku Abodom Chief Nana Owusu Asamoah demanded a ban on mining activities to protect their farmlands, warning that food security is at risk.
” Our Palm fruit yields are reducing due to change in weather patterns. The miners have really destroyed our palm farms. How lands are given out baffles us.”
Smallholder farmers play a crucial role in contributing significantly to agricultural production and rural livelihoods.
Opinion leader Robert Owusu expressed concern that mining activities have caused irreparable damage to the community’s socio-cultural fabric, while health hazards loom large.
” Children are being lured into it, increasing delinquency and teenage pregnancy. Open defecation is all over. ”
He emphasized the need for law enforcement and political accountability.
” I am not pleading with government, it is his responsibility to see to it that all these destruction come to end.”
Many farmers continue to feel helpless as their lands continue to be destroyed, while some local chiefs appear indifferent.
The post Small holder farmers lament effects of mining activities in Birim North District first appeared on 3News.
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