Residents and traditional leaders of Atronie in the Sunyani Municipality of the Bono Region have staged a protest over the worsening condition of the River Amoma, which serves as an important source of water for the community.
The demonstration began early Monday, August 10, following traditional rites performed at a bridge over the river, which serves as one of the main entry points into Atronie.
Hundreds of residents joined the protest, with many wearing red and black to draw attention to what they described as the growing destruction of the river and its impact on the community.
The demonstration temporarily blocked the road linking Sunyani to Ntrotroso, causing significant disruption to traffic. Motorists travelling in both directions were reportedly left stranded for several hours as protesters occupied the route.
Residents and community leaders blamed illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, for the deteriorating condition of the River Amoma.
According to them, mining activities in Jinijini and other parts of the Atronie Stool Land have polluted the river and reduced the availability of clean water for households and farmers.
Read Earlier Report: Atronie chiefs reject Bono Security Council’s response to illegal mining
The Assembly Member for the Atronie Electoral Area, Richard Adu, said the situation had become increasingly serious, with some residents struggling to obtain safe water for domestic use.
He also said farmers were being affected because the polluted water could no longer be relied upon for irrigation.
“Some of the farmers are suffering because they cannot get good water to irrigate their crops,” Mr Adu said, stressing that the mining activities in Jinijini and the Atronie Stool Land were affecting communities in the area.
He appealed to President John Dramani Mahama and the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) to take urgent action against illegal miners operating in the affected areas.
Mr Adu said stronger enforcement was needed to protect the river and restore access to reliable sources of clean drinking water.
He urged the authorities to intensify operations and remove illegal miners from the area before the situation worsens.
