Tension mounts in Akyem Tumfa as irate youth picket

Heavily armed security personnel have been deployed to the town of Akyem Tumfa in the Eastern region after the youth of the area threatened to attack and destroy equipment of a gold mining company.

The youth and chiefs of Akyem Tumfa vowed some weeks back to deal with any mining company that attempts to prospect for gold in the area.

According to them, the area is a farming community and they would therefore not allow any mining firm to destroy their farmlands in the name of prospecting for gold.

The residents of the area are currently at war with Step Mining Company, who intend to prospect for gold in the area without their consent.

A resident, Maxwell Owusu told Starr Today Thursday, that schools and shops have been closed down due to acts of terrorism by the security personnel.

Road blocks and security checkpoints have been mounted by the Police, according to Owusu.

Reports indicate that a student has been assaulted by the police and is currently on admission at the Akyem Abromsu Health Center.

However, the Eastern Regional Minister, Antwi Boasiako said the police were only deployed to the town after the youth prevented the mining company which is legally registered from going ahead with work.

He said the youth fear their illegal mining activities would be affected if the mining company starts operations.