Concerns have been raised by residents of Obuasi-Kwabrafoso in the Obuasi East District of the Ashanti Region regarding the alleged conversion of a renowned football park in the area into a 'galamsey' site.

The football park, widely recognized as a significant recreation center for the constituency youth and boasting a history of hosting football stars such as Mubarak Wakaso and John Mensah for training sessions, is situated adjacent to a military base and a school.

In a viral video the voice behind the background claimed that the Member of Parliament for the area, Dr. Patrick Boakye Yiadom, along with the District Chief Executive, Faustina Amissah, are involved in efforts to convert the park into a 'galamsey' mining site.The footage also depicted an excavator and workers on the site.

Several residents interviewed in the video expressed shock at the development, emphasizing the park's longstanding significance as a hub for sports and recreation in the constituency.

"This place is a hub for recreation; John Mensah himself has graced these fields, alongside countless youths from our constituency and students from different schools. Why turn this cherished park into a galamsey site? It should remain a space for us to enjoy and play," voiced one concerned youth.They highlighted its role in nurturing local football talent and called upon authorities to intervene and safeguard the park from further degradation.

"Galamsey," or illegal mining, poses a significant environmental threat in Ghana, resulting in substantial deforestation across various regions and forest reserves.

The Ghana Forestry Commission has intensified efforts to combat this issue, including military operations and seeking additional funding.

However, challenges such as weak law enforcement, corruption, and unemployment continue to contribute to ongoing deforestation, alongside factors like agricultural expansion, illegal logging, forest fires, overgrazing, and infrastructure development.

Obuasi East kwabrafoso football ⚽️ park turned into Galamsey site by the DCE and the MP. See something, say something. Good job Amaro Shakur for doing the job of the lazy journalists and the bloggers 👏👌 pic.twitter.com/QOlQNyrq8K— Aristotlektv (@aristotledada) May 1, 2024