Okyehene Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panyin
The Okyeman Youth Association in the Eastern Region has called on Aburihene Otubour Djan Kwasi, to render an unqualified apology to Okyenhene, Osgyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, who doubles as the President of the Regional House of Chiefs, over some comments that the he (Okyenhene) and other chiefs in Akyem are complicit in the illegal mining activities, popularly called ‘galamsey’ in the Akyem area.
The association, in a joint statement issued and signed by the conveners, Nana Yaw Asene and Nana Yaw Ampem Darko, stated that the Aburihene should acquaint himself with the laws governing mining in Ghana before making derogatory remarks against the highly respected Akyem chiefs.
The group indicated that the Okyenhene has led the campaign against illegal mining over the years, which has culminated into the establishment of the Okyeman Environment Foundation with special focus proper mining practices, land reclamation and preservation of forest and water bodies.
The youth denied reports that the Okyenhene and other Akyem chiefs were involved in the destruction of the environment.
The association reminded the Aburihene and other chiefs that they have a duty to stop illegal mining.
“The constitution of Ghana states without any equivocation that all mineral resources found in lands and water bodies in the jurisdiction of this country are held in trust by the president of the republic of Ghana.
“We want to ask Aburihene why he kept quiet since 2009 when the likes of Baba Jamal, Ofosu Ampofo and the NDC government started the so-called Youth in Mining which they deliberately turned into ‘galamsey’ in Akyem areas just to destroy our water bodies and lands?” the youth quizzed.
The association, however, called on the relevant institutions such as EPA, Water Resources Commission, Minerals Commission, Forestry Commission, Ghana Chamber of Mines, security services and the Government of Ghana in general not to stop the fight against illegal mining that has destroyed the environment.
“It is refreshing to note that the recent positive development in the mining sector, particularly the clampdown on illegal mining, vindicates Okyenhene’s position that the menace of ‘galamsey’ can only be dealt with by the invocation of coercive apparatus of the state,” they disclosed.
From Daniel Bampoe, Kyebi