E/R: Video:Anyinasin Residents Reject Mining Plans, Accuse MCE and Chief of Pushing Community Mining Initiative
Residents of Akyem Anyinasin in the Abuakwa North Municipality of the Eastern Region have reaffirmed their opposition to all forms of mining in the community, warning that they will resist any attempt to introduce mining activities into the area.
The position was reiterated by Anyinasin Citizens Against Mining, an advocacy group campaigning against mining in the community, during a mini durbar organised on Friday, November 6, 2026, following a media tour of some proposed mining sites.
Among the locations visited was Abahasu, where visible signs of mining prospecting, including dug-out pits within a cocoa farm close to a river and red markings on cocoa trees, were observed. The group also visited areas close to the Bomeng River, where mining activities had reportedly taken place.
Speaking to the media at Abahasu, Mr Maxwell Larbi, an educationist and member of Anyinasin Citizens Against Mining, called on the government to engage the youth of the community in discussions to determine whether the area's productive cocoa farms should be sacrificed for mining activities.
He accused the Municipal Chief Executive for Abuakwa North, Hon. Charles Yeboah Darko, of allegedly collaborating with the community's chief to introduce mining activities in Anyinasin.
Mr Larbi further challenged the MCE to consider introducing the initiative in his hometown, Akyem Kukurantumi, if he believed mining would benefit the community.
He maintained that the people of Anyinasin were prepared to resist any attempt to commence mining in the area.
The convener of the group, Mr William Boakye, described Akyem Anyinasin as the food basket of the region, warning that allowing mining activities would destroy the community's agricultural potential and livelihoods.
He expressed disappointment with the chief of Anyinasin, Osabarima Atta Apeakorang Agyei, over what he described as a sudden change of position on mining.
According to Mr Boakye, the chief had previously supported their campaign against mining, which reportedly resulted in the burning of two excavators at a mining site near the Bomeng River some years ago.
However, he said the chief organised a town hall meeting at his palace on October 31, 2026, together with the Abuakwa North MCE, Hon. Charles Yeboah Darko, to introduce a community mining initiative in Anyinasin.
Mr Boakye further disclosed that checks conducted by the group on documents presented at the meeting indicated that they were for a stone quarry operation rather than gold mining.
He assured residents, most of whom depend on farming for their livelihoods, of the group's determination to continue its campaign against mining in the community.
Meanwhile, Mr Kwadwo Atta Apeakorang, Founder and President of the NGO Save the Nation for Future Leaders and twin brother of the Anyinasin chief, dismissed suggestions that his opposition to mining was motivated by a personal dispute with his brother or an attempt to challenge his chieftaincy position.
He explained that his campaign was driven by his commitment to protecting the environment in his capacity as president of the NGO.
Mr Apeakorang cautioned individuals planning to commence mining activities in Akyem Anyinasin to reconsider their decision, warning that they would face resistance from residents.
He pledged to support the community in opposing any mining operation that could destroy their farmlands, pollute water bodies and contaminate food crops.
He also appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to intervene in the matter before tensions escalate.
Some community members who addressed the gathering also rejected any form of mining in Anyinasin and called for a halt to the proposed community mining initiative, insisting that the community's agricultural resources and environment must be protected.
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