Residents in Binsere in Obuasi are protesting the construction of a toxic waste dam in the community by AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi mine.
They allege three large dams built in the area by the gold mining company for disposing mine waste and other waste materials are polluting water sources in the farming community.
According to the community, the situation is leading to a range of health problems, including terminal illnesses.
The aggrieved residents claim that the chemicals have caused numerous miscarriages among expectant mothers, and babies born with congenital diseases.
They argue a 10-year-old child in the community has been diagnosed with liver disease, allegedly due to exposure to the toxic chemicals.
“Not too long ago, a young man from here was shot and killed by AngloGold Ashanti Securities at the beginning of this dam. This incident scared the entire community, keeping us quiet for long,” they said.
Complaints lodged to the mine, according to the residents, have fallen on deaf ears.
They are imploring the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu ll and the government to intervene, demanding compensation and proper accommodation if they are to be relocated.
Key Demands:
1. Immediate intervention by the government to address the health and environmental concerns.
2. Compensation for the affected residents.
3. Proper accommodation for the residents if they are to be relocated.
4. AngloGold Ashanti to take responsibility for the environmental damage and health issues caused by the toxic waste dam.
The residents have warned that they will take matters into their own hands if their concerns are not addressed promptly.
Anglogold has yet to respond to the concerns.