Traditional rulers call for intensified fight against illegal mining

Traditional authorities in Twifo Hemang in the Central Region have pledged to support government to clamp down on illegal mining activities in the area.

According to the chiefs, their aim is to help bring an end to the destruction of water bodies including the Pra River, as well as, preserve the forest.

They said illegal mining is destroying the environment and has adversely impacted farming activities – the major economic activity of the people – in the area.

The paramount chief of the area, Otumfuo Amoah Sasraku IV, told Asaase Radio after a tour of some illegal mining sites with his sub-chiefs that illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, is affecting water supply to the communities due to excessive pollution.

He therefore called on traditional authorities across the country to support government in clamping down on illegal mining activities, as well as, illegal lumbering.

Operation vanguard

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo waged a war against illegal mining in his first term of office by introducing the Operation Vanguard – a joint police and military patrol – in mining areas to curb the menace.

Government through a collaboration with the Operation Vanguard Task-force managed to seize mining machinery and equipment including excavators from illegal miners who operated without permission during the galamsey ban.

In the lead-up to the 7 December election, Akufo-Addo maintained his stance against illegal mining.

The President said, “In the days of our forefathers, they engaged in mining but they did it in a sustainable way which did not disturb the land or water bodies. I will not support illegal mining which will destroy the environment. My decision remains the same, where I am on this fight remains unchanged.”

Listen to Otumfuo Amoah Sasraku IV

Kwame Baah-Acheamfuor

* Asaase Radio 99.5 – tune in or log on to broadcasts online.

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