We never imagined you will disappoint us like this

Residents of Osino in the Eastern Region have expressed their deep disappointment in President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, accusing him of neglecting the community’s concerns about illegal mining (galamsey) that is devastating their lands and water bodies. In an interview with Daily Insight, several residents voiced their frustrations, lamenting that they had placed their trust in the president, only to feel abandoned.

According to the residents, they never imagined that President Akufo-Addo, who promised to prioritize environmental protection and clamp down on illegal mining, would turn a blind eye to the destruction in their area.

“We trusted him. We never thought he would disappoint us like this,” one resident shared. “Our lands are being destroyed, and our water bodies are polluted. Galamsey is everywhere, and the president is doing nothing about it.”

The community, which relies heavily on farming and clean water sources, said that the unchecked mining activities have made life unbearable for many. Farmlands have been destroyed by the invasive operations of illegal miners, while rivers that once served as lifelines for the residents have become polluted.

Another resident added, “We supported him because we believed he would care about us. But now, we feel abandoned. He promised to stop this galamsey, but things have only gotten worse.”

The sentiments from Osino mirror growing discontent in various parts of the country over the government’s inability to effectively combat illegal mining. Despite several interventions, including military deployments and national campaigns, galamsey remains rampant, leaving communities like Osino to bear the brunt of its environmental and economic impacts.

As frustrations rise, residents of Osino are calling on the president to take immediate action to fulfill his promises and save their lands and water bodies from further destruction.