The Chiefs and people of the Atuna Traditional Area in the Jaman South Municipality of the Bono Region have delivered a firm and uncompromising warning against any form of mining activity within their jurisdiction, reaffirming their long-standing position as a “No Galamsey” zone.

At a charged press briefing in Atuna, the Paramount Chief, Okogyeaman Akwanbresie, made it unequivocally clear that the community would not tolerate either legal or illegal mining, describing such activities as a direct threat to their environment, livelihoods, and future.

The strong declaration follows a public engagement involving officials from the Minerals Commission, the Ghana Geological Survey Authority, the Gold Board, and the Jaman South Municipal Chief Executive, who visited the community to address reports surrounding a possible mining concession.

“Resetting is not destruction,” the chief declared, underscoring that development must not come at the cost of the land and its people. “No part of Atuna’s land will be made available for mining under any circumstances,” he stressed.

The renewed resistance comes on the back of reports that the Minerals Commission has allegedly gazetted portions of Atuna land to a company identified as Oasis Limited for mining purposes, following surveys reportedly conducted by the Ghana Geological Survey Authority and the Gold Board.

The claims have sparked outrage among traditional leaders and residents, who insist they were neither consulted nor informed about the decision.

For decades, Atuna a predominantly farming border community known for its thriving cocoa and cashew production has resisted all attempts to introduce mining.

Widely regarded as a key food-producing hub, the area depends heavily on agriculture as its economic backbone.

Community leaders warn that mining activities would devastate farmlands, pollute water bodies, and ultimately destroy the livelihoods of thousands of farmers.

Despite sitting on what is believed to be significant gold deposits often seen as a symbol of wealth and opportunity the people of Atuna have consistently rejected any form of exploitation. Previous attempts by illegal miners to operate in the area have been met with fierce resistance, led by the traditional council.

Okogyeaman Akwanbresie further cautioned that any government agency, corporate entity, or individual seeking to initiate mining operations in Atuna should immediately desist or face the full opposition of the community.

Backing the Paramount Chief, the Queenmother of Atuna, Nana Asantewa Boateng Bemeh, reinforced the traditional authority’s position, declaring that no mining activity whether state-sponsored or private would be permitted on their land.

“Our land is our life, and we will not allow it to be destroyed under any arrangement,” she asserted.

Meanwhile, the Kyidomhene of Atuna, Nana Benneh, together with the Okyeame of the Atuna Traditional Council, Osei Kwame Bonsu Okatakyie, have raised serious allegations against some high-profile figures.

They accused certain individuals, including the National Chairman of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketia; Acting CEO of the Ghana Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi; Bono Regional Minister Joseph Addai Akwaboah; and the Municipal Chief Executive for Jaman South, of having prior knowledge of the alleged lease granted to Oasis Limited by the Minerals Commission.

The traditional leaders are demanding transparency and accountability, calling for an immediate halt to any processes that could lead to mining activities in the area.

As tensions continue to rise, the people of Atuna remain resolute, vowing to defend their land, protect their environment, and preserve their economic lifeline against what they describe as an existential threat.

Reporting by Daniel Donkor, Bono Region