Daasebre Dr. Twum Ampofo II, the Nifahene of Okyeman of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council in the Eastern Region, has taken a decisive step to combat illegal mining activities by imposing a total ban on mining activities in the Asiakwa community and its catchment area.
He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting government plans to eradicate illegal mining, however, the bold move effectively puts mining activities under lockdown, demonstrating the chief’s commitment to protecting the environment and preserving natural resources.
Protecting the environment and preserving the natural resources of the community, and backing government initiatives, Daasebre Dr. Twum Ampofo II aim to contributing to efforts that promote sustainable development and responsible resource management.
The chief’s actions are also aligned with the Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin’s, efforts to combat illegal mining in the Abuakwa Traditional Area, as the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council has been working tirelessly to protect the Birim River and its surrounding environment from the devastating effects of illegal mining.
Speaking to the media in an interview, the Okyeman Nifahene, who also serves as the chief of Asiakwa, Daasebre Dr Twum Ampofo II, has condemned the mining activities in the area, citing their detrimental impact on the community and expressed strong disapproval of the miners’ operational methods, describing them as “appalling.”
In light of this, the Okyeman Nifahene has taken decisive action, prohibiting all mining activities and issuing a two-week ultimatum to the miners.
He noted that during this period, the miners are mandated to, Reclaim the lands, Remove all machinery from the site and Vacate the area entirely to protecting the environment and ensuring the well-being of his community.
Meanwhile a visit by the media team to various mining sites in Asiakwa revealed a mixed compliance with Daasebre Twum Ampofo’s directive to halt all mining activities.
While some miners had heeded the warning and vacated the premises, others had taken steps to reclaim portions of the land, demonstrating a willingness to adhere to the chief’s instructions.
However, the media team also observed that a number of miners remained defiant, continuing their operations in blatant disregard of the chief’s directive.
This lack of compliance underscores the ongoing challenges in enforcing the ban on mining activities in the region.
Speaking in an interview with operators and miners, they reviewed that galamsey serves as a primary source of livelihood for many individuals, driven by the scarcity of decent job opportunities in the catchment area.
Despite acknowledging the illicit nature of their activities, these miners emphasized the economic benefits derived from galamsey, including job creation for youth and mitigation of social vices.
Some miners expressed appreciation for Asiakwahene’s efforts to safeguard the community’s lands, water bodies, and farm produce.
They pledged to reclaim the lands within the allotted timeframe and appealed to Asiakwahene to reconsider the blanket ban on mining activities.
The workers urged the government to provide alternative employment opportunities, rather than simply revoking their licenses, emphasizing, that a more constructive approach should be done to facilitate access to legitimate and sustainable jobs, allowing them to maintain their livelihoods while also addressing the environmental concerns associated with galamsey.
Responding to some allegations raised by the operator and miners, Daasebre Dr. Twum Ampofo acknowledged the concerns of miners, recognizing that banning illegal mining activities would impact the community’s economic benefits, However, he emphasized the importance of responsible mining practices, particularly near river bodies, hence promoting sustainable mining methods, Daasebre Dr. Twum Ampofo aims to strike a balance between economic needs and environmental protection.
Daasebre Twum Ampofo further added that the chemicals they use for mining are poisonous and it will take the land a very long time to regain its nutrients for other purposes, especially for farming activities.
He established that, directive to reset mining activities in Asiakwa is a forward-thinking move, prioritizing the well-being of both current and future generations, adding that the economic implications of this decision on his community but is committed to ensuring that mining activities benefit everyone, not just a select few.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Pay Manyo
