Illegal mining (known as galamsey) continues to be a major problem in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The people of Ahafo Ano North demonstrated against it, pointing out the immediate threat to their cocoa farms and water sources. Galamsey threatens their livelihoods. 

The people suspect that local chiefs are collaborating with the 'masterminds' for selfish reasons and allowing these illegal activities to continue. During their protests, they stressed the need to protect their land and resources for future generations and called on the traditional leader of the Ashanti region, Otumfour Osei Tutu II, to act quickly to prevent further environmental disasters and social conflict.

The Member of Parliament for the region, Augustine Fosu (NPP), expressed dismay at the events and said the government of President Akufo-Addo was opposed to illegal mining and would not tolerate land degradation. Meanwhile, Dr Kwasi Amake Boateng, a political science lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, has expressed the view that the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) could lose its majority in the Ashanti Region in the upcoming December elections. There is a sense of disappointment in the region, which is supposed to be an NPP stronghold. In the eight years of the Akufo-Addo government, the people have not seen any significant positive developments. Although there has recently been increased investment in the region, such as the construction of roads and the completion of medical facilities, this is seen as an election campaign tactic. Another argument against the NPP, according to Dr Boateng, is that its presidential candidate, current Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has shifted his focus from economic issues to increased digitalisation. This undermines his credibility on economic issues. However, given the country's difficult situation, these are existential issues for the people.