Residents of Brahabebome New Settlement Area in the Western Region have raised concerns over blasting activities by Gold Fields Ghana Limited Tarkwa Mine, alleging the air blasting was causing cracks in their buildings.
Near the mining site, locals fear structural damage and demand a full survey to assess the harm and its causes.
The call came from Brahabebome New Landlords Association Chairman, Emmanuel Brew Armoo, during a municipal security meeting on mining impacts.
Blasting vibrations can weaken structures, while dust from explosions risks residents’ health and air quality.
The community insists on an investigation to document damage and health hazards from mining operations.
During a June 26, 2025 meeting, landlords presented building plans and approval notes, urging the government to push for compensation.
“We demand resettlement and payment,” they declared.
They accused the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Minerals Commission of enabling irresponsible mining and urged Gold Fields to follow a 2018 Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) report mandating relocation for those within 500m of mining zones.
The landlords claimed Gold Fields resumed mining dangerously close—under 300m—without notice.
But Brahabebome elders, led by Apinto Gyaasehene Dr. Nana Adarkwa Bediako III, warned encroachers near Mantrim Pits to leave or face eviction.
“The company won’t compensate illegal settlers,” he stated firmly.
He stressed that speculative settlers lack legal rights to the land, vowing to protect Goldfields’ mining concessions.
“These false claims must stop now!” he declared.
Under his leadership, the Apinto Divisional Area will not tolerate encroachment on company-acquired land.
Story By: Freeman Koryekpor Awlesu, Back From Tarkwa, Western Region
