There is growing tension in Atatem, a peaceful farming community in the Adansi-Asokwa District of the Ashanti Region, following the demolition of the town’s only kindergarten (KG) block.
Residents say the destruction, allegedly led by the area’s Assembly member, is a ploy by some prospective mining companies to build a new KG block under the guise of Corporate Social Responsibility to gain access to the Gyeme River, the community’s sole source of drinking water.
A visit to the area confirmed that a signpost mounted at the site announces a proposed 2-unit KG block to be built at Old Atatem. The signpost lists the Adansi Asokwa District Assembly as the client and names Baby Angel Limited and Palangio Mining Ghana Limited as the project funders.
“No amount of infrastructure can replace the lives and wellbeing of the community,” he emotionally added.
Gyeme River is already under serious threat of contamination. A study by the Rights of Nature Movement Ghana (RoNAG) found heavy chemical pollutants in water samples, creating fear among families about health risks for present and future generations.
RoNAG has long advocated for protecting the river and championed the people’s rights through capacity-building workshops.
Many believe the destruction undermines the community’s dignity, unity and democratic voice. Some also accused local leaders of sidelining community interests in favour of mining operators.
Against this background, the community has petitioned the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Minerals Commission, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR), Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), traditional authorities, opinion leaders, environmental and human rights organisations and the media to intervene immediately.
The original KG facility was built through communal efforts and sacrifices, making its demolition against the will of the people. The move has sparked widespread outrage, with the community vowing to use all legitimate means to stop the miners.
“The river is our life. Without it, the community cannot survive,” said Maxwell Nsiah, resident of Atatem.
According to the residents, they never approved any such arrangement and thus strongly reject attempts to use a school project to justify environmental destruction.
They warned that destroying their water source threatens not only human life but also farming, livestock and overall livelihoods.
Their fears include severe water scarcity, disease outbreaks, and environmental catastrophe if urgent action is not taken.
Furthermore, the people are demanding: an immediate investigation into illegal mining around the river; urgent measures to protect the water source from further chemical pollution; accountability for all persons and authorities alleged to have collaborated with miners without community consent; and a complete halt to illegal mining that threatens their survival.
“Development cannot come at the cost of clean water and our future,” the residents stressed, appealing to all well-meaning Ghanaians to stand with them.
