Ashanti Region: Esaase residents fight miners over potential mining activities at iconic waterfall site

The residents of Esaase, a farming community in the Juaben municipality of the Ashanti Region, have come together to fight mining activities at their iconic waterfalls site, citing concerns over environmental degradation and water pollution.

This decision follows reports of individuals approaching the community to discuss potential mining operations in the area.

The residents have vowed to do everything possible to protect the waterfalls, emphasizing that mining activities near the area would likely destroy the tourist site.

In an interview with this reporter on Monday, the residents expressed their determination to safeguard the site.

The community is working with the Ghana Tourism Authority to develop the site into a tourist hub.

Emmanuel Boateng, Administrator of the Concerned Youth of Esaase, expressed the community's frustration with the mining attempts, emphasizing their determination to protect the site.

The community believes that mining would not only destroy the natural attraction but also contaminate the River Kwartemaa and Oky3ade3, which are the primary sources of drinking water for households.

Some women in the community shared their worries about the potential impact of mining on their water sources and livelihoods, fearing that the pollution of the rivers would have severe consequences for their households and the local economy.

Opanin Akwasi Akwaboah, Mmrantiehene for the community, appealed to His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to intervene and protect the community's natural resources and cocoa farms.