They warned prospective community mining firms and illegal miners to abandon plans to operate in the communities or face strong resistance from residents.

Addressing a joint press conference at Berekum, Mr. Mathew Oluman, an opinion leader at Amomaso and spokesperson for the communities, said residents had received information that a mining company intended to begin operations in the area on Monday, June 1, 2026.

According to him, the people would not allow any mining company to operate on their lands because of the potential destruction of their farmlands and livelihoods.

He stressed that the communities would resist attempts by any company to move excavators or mining equipment into the area.

Mr. Oluman alleged that a mining company had already mounted billboards and started preliminary activities in the communities even though the traditional authorities were unaware of the company’s licences and mining concessions.

He noted that the available lands in the communities were limited and could not support mining activities without affecting agriculture.

Nana Konadu Mmuro II, Chief of Benkasa, described the community as predominantly agricultural, explaining that residents depended largely on farming for their livelihood and sustenance.

He maintained that the community’s arable farmlands could not accommodate mining activities and therefore appealed to the government to intervene.

Nana Mmuro II also expressed concern about the growing frustration among community watchdog groups, alleging that suspected illegal miners arrested in the area were often released shortly afterwards.

According to him, the situation was discouraging local efforts aimed at combating illegal mining activities in the affected communities.