Okyehene To Sack All Illegal Miners . . . As He Summons Sub-Chiefs Over Galamsey
Chiefs forming the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council are expected to meet today, Thursday, March 30, 2017, over illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey, in the area.
The meeting, summoned by Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori panyin, Paramount Chief of Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area, would deliberate, among other issues, on the debilitating effects of illegal mining on the environment in the area which have reached lethal level.
Information gathered by the Daily Heritage indicates that the Okyenhene is likely to issue ultimatum to his sub-chiefs to sack all illegal miners from the land.
The Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area in the Eastern region is one of the most degraded environment, with the only major water source, the Birim River, heavily polluted with mercury as a result of the illegal mining activities.
Currently, the Kibi Water Treatment Plant has been shut down due to the high turbidity level of raw water pumped from the Birim River.
Though the Okyenhene has been advocating against environmental degradation and pollution over the years, his backyard natural environment remains badly degraded through illegal mining.
He is on record to have faulted the government for failing to stop the menace with comprehensive and lasting approaches.
It is now public knowledge that illegal mining has become a threat to natural security, health, agricultural and survival of Ghanaians.
Several Communities are Struggling to get water to drink in the country due to pollution of water bodies by the illegal miners. Many farmers have died in bushes after being trapped to death in uncovered galamsey pits.
Successive governments have failed to eradicate the menace, which involves some influential persons in the country despite agitations and demonstrations by farmers in affected communities.
However, the new government, led by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Adddo, has assured the nation of the commitment of his government to fix the mess as soon as possible to preserve the environment for generations unborn.
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