Okyenhene warns of dangers of illegal mining

The Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has warned Ghanaians against illegal mining and felling of trees. He said illegal mining and lumbering were fast destroying the natural resources and negatively affecting the well-being of citizens and the national economy. The Okyenhene was speaking at Akyem Dwenase during the Okyeman Environmental Week celebration, which is observed annually. He said he was unhappy about the depletion of forests of Akyem Abuakwa and pollution of its areas, especially the Birim River and called for urgent steps to be taken against the harmful practices. Osagyefuo Ofori Panin noted that the destruction of forests also rid it of vital medicinal plants, which could be used for treating many diseases. The Okyehene expressed worry over the bad state of the roads in the Eastern Region, especially in the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area, which hampers the transportation of food products to marketing centres.