The farming community of Jema, located in Ghana's Western Region, has emerged as a symbol of resistance against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, with residents steadfastly rejecting all attempts to exploit their land for mining purposes.
In a report filed by Channel One TV's Western Regional Correspondent, Akwasi Agyei Anim, as part of the six-hour campaign against galamsey, it was revealed that the people of Jema have taken bold steps to safeguard their land.
At the entrance to the town, a clear and firm message has been placed: "No prospecting/mining on Jema lands.
Trespassers do so at their own risk." Friar Joseph Kwame Blay, a Catholic Priest of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual and a native of Jema, has been a leading figure in this anti-galamsey movement.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Friar Blay explained that their resistance is driven by a commitment to protecting their farmlands and preserving their livelihoods.
He emphasized the community's resolve to defend their environment from the harmful effects of illegal mining, which threatens their agricultural way of life and the health of their lands and water sources. "We refuse to allow our lands to be destroyed for short-term gains.
Our future depends on these farms, and we will not compromise that for galamsey," Friar Blay stated.
The community's united stance has made Jema a powerful example of grassroots activism against illegal mining in Ghana. "The motivation behind it is because Jema farming community and we've seen what is happening in all our neighbouring towns all the way from Enchi to the last town Assinkrom where they have devastated their land because of galamsey. "So, we have educated the people and the youth have accepted that galamsey is not good, they want to hold on to farming and any other alternatives of livelihood.
So, we had to form this society and then register it as a legal person so that we can stand firm for our values," he stated.
He continued: "I came way back in 2015 and in 2019, I met the whole community.
I explained to them with my own research on other communities where galamsey has devastated them and I showed them videos, news and the interviews I did with people to help them know that the thing is not good. "I did a study called the Phenomenological Study of galamsey (Anti-Cyanide Gold Mining in Ghana, is it Poverty Alleviation or Poverty Aggravation).
So, I did some fieldwork.
Six weeks at Wassa Ayamfuri where you have all the aspects of galamsey.
So, my finding is what came in my dissertation." He added that they are willing to replicate their method in communities who are willing to implement the same in their communities.
The Chief of Jema, Nana Enoku Annor revealed that he had turned down lucrative offers from individuals seeking to exploit Jema's lands for mining.
These offers included a trip to South Africa for medical treatment, a vehicle, and large sums of money.
However, the Chief made it clear that he would not sacrifice the welfare of his community for personal gain.
Several residents echoed these sentiments, noting that they have been thoroughly educated on the damaging effects of galamsey on their farmlands and water sources.
As a result, they are determined to protect their cocoa farms and livelihoods. "Jema Youth; No galamsey!" they said.