Efforts to address illegal mining activities in parts of the Bono Region have hit a snag after boundary resolution talks involving the chiefs of Sunyani, Atronie and Mansen (Wamfie) ended abruptly over competing territorial claims.
The dispute comes amid growing concerns over galamsey operations in Mansen, Yawsae, Jinijini, Amomaso, Atronie and surrounding communities, where illegal miners are reportedly operating with heavy equipment and armed protection.
Residents and farmers fear the destruction of farmlands and other properties, warning that their livelihoods are under serious threat from the expanding mining activities.
The three traditional leaders had scheduled a joint visit to a galamsey site on Friday, June 5, to determine the exact traditional area within which the operators were working and gather first-hand information to guide action against the illegal miners.
However, the exercise was derailed by unresolved boundary disputes, leaving the meeting without a clear outcome.
Tension heightened when heavily built armed men, believed to be providing security for the illegal miners, allegedly blocked access to the mining site with a vehicle and prevented the chiefs from entering the area.
During the engagement, the Sunyani Manhene, Odeefour Ogyeamansan Boahene Korkor II, requested that the other chiefs identify the endpoints of their traditional boundaries for documentation purposes.
Sunyani Manhene, Odeefour Ogyeamansan Boahene Korkor II,
The Mansen Chief subsequently pointed to a stretch of land that included the Amomaja River as part of the Mansen Traditional Area.
The claim was immediately challenged by the Sunyani Manhene, who maintained that the river falls within the Sunyani Traditional Area and serves as a sacred site used for traditional spiritual cleansing.
Moments after identifying the disputed area, the Mansen Chief and his entourage reportedly departed, leaving the discussions unresolved.
The meeting had also been intended to settle boundary disagreements believed to be fuelling illegal mining activities in Jinijini, Amomaja, Yawsae and other contested areas among the three traditional jurisdictions.
Observers noted that the primary issue—galamsey activities threatening communities in Mansen within the Dormaa East Municipality, Atronie under the Ashanti Kingdom, and Yawsae within the Sunyani Traditional Area—was largely overshadowed by the boundary dispute.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, the Sunyani Manhene described the exercise as a failed attempt at resolution and expressed frustration over the continued activities of illegal miners on the disputed lands.
While reiterating his commitment to peace, he said he felt disrespected by the manner in which the Mansen Chief ended the discussions.
The Sunyani Manhene subsequently called on the Sunyani Municipal Security Council, Bono Regional Security Council, Dormaahene Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Dr. Agyemang Badu II, and National Security to intervene and help address the situation.
He also issued a 24-hour ultimatum to all illegal miners operating on lands he claims belong to the Sunyani Traditional Area, warning that he would personally take action if they failed to vacate the area.
The traditional ruler further urged security agencies in the Bono Region to enforce the evacuation order and intensify efforts to combat illegal mining in the affected communities.
Meanwhile, Nana Adomah Barffour, Dikro of Yawsae, has vowed to continue resisting galamsey activities in the area.
Speaking in recent radio interviews, he alleged that more than 11 excavators linked to Jegri Bekala, a Ghanaian-owned mining company headquartered in the Dormaa Municipality, were involved in the controversial operations.
He further disclosed plans to petition the Bono Regional Minister, Lawyer Joseph Addae Akwaboa, in the coming days to seek government intervention.
By Kaakyire Kwasi Afari, Ark FM, Sunyani.
