Do You Want To Destroy Our Water Bodies? No Mining Here –Akyem Tafo Chief

The Chiefs and people of Akyem Tafo, in the Eastern Region, have strongly opposed plans by a mining company, Parin Gold Limited, to undertake prospecting and possible mining activities in Old Tafo and its surrounding communities.

The opposition follows an official notification from the Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly informing traditional authorities, residents and stakeholders of a pending mineral rights application granted to the Ho-based company, in accordance with the Minerals and Mining (Licensing) Regulations, 2012 (LI 2176).

The letter, dated April 19, 2026 and signed by the Municipal Coordinating Director, Emil Tawiah Atsu, urged all affected persons to submit their concerns within 21 days, as part of stakeholder consultations on the proposed concession.

However, the announcement has triggered fierce resistance from the traditional leadership and residents of the area.

At an emergency community meeting held in front of the Awansa Palace, the chief of Akyem Tafo, Daasebre Adusei Peasah IV, made it emphatically clear that no mining activities would be allowed within his jurisdiction.

According to the chief, the people of Tafo are determined to protect their lands, water bodies, farmlands and future generations from the devastating effects often associated with mining operations.

Daasebre Adusei Peasah IV further warned residents against selling family or stool lands to mining companies, stressing that such decisions could jeopardize the collective welfare and long-term development of the community.

“Our land is not for sale. We will not allow any form of mining that will destroy our environment and threaten the future of our youth,” the chief declared to loud applause from residents and elders gathered at the meeting.

Community members who addressed the gathering expressed unanimous support for the chief’s position, insisting that Tafo’s rich agricultural heritage and peaceful environment must be protected at all costs.

Many residents raised concerns over the possible destruction of rivers, cocoa farms, food crop plantations and forest reserves, should mining operations commence in the area.

They argued that experiences from other mining communities across the country demonstrate the environmental degradation, pollution, and social challenges associated with extractive activities.

The community also questioned why authorities would consider granting mineral rights in an area heavily dependent on farming and natural resources for survival.

Meanwhile, documents from the Minerals Commission indicate that Parin Gold Limited is among several companies that applied for mineral rights under a Gazette publication referenced MC.12/SF.19/Vol.4 dated January 26, 2026.

The Minerals Commission, in a letter signed by Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Victoria Awuni, directed that any landowner or lawful occupier likely to be affected by the grant of mineral rights should submit written statements through the respective municipal assembly within the stipulated period.

Despite the regulatory process underway, the chiefs and people of Akyem Tafo insist their decision is final and have called on government and relevant authorities to immediately halt any attempts to allocate their lands for mining purposes.

They maintained that the safety, environment, and future prosperity of the community must take precedence over mining interests.

 

 

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