Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin
The Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin has urged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to rescind his decision of introducing community mining after taking a bold step to stop illegal mining popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking at the launch of the tree planting project in Kyebi, the Municipal capital of Abuakwa South in the Eastern Region, he said the digging of pits has started again in Osino following a government decision to embark on community mining.
“What is worrying is that, if you have stop ‘galamsey’ in the country why do you make a U-turn to start. The pits in Kyebi, which were dug as a result of illegal mining activities are yet to be covered; therefore there is no need to worsen the case by introducing community mining, I don’t get it,” he emphasized.
According to him, he and his entourage will meet with the President to have a talk on his decision as he believes the introduction of community mining is a matter which should be given thorough consideration due to its likely negative impact on society.
“Community mining will not help us and I don’t think anyone can boast about galamsey as a working one does. We need to focus on the planting of trees which have numerous positive benefits for the younger generation” he added.
The tree planting project is an initiative of the Akyeam Presbytery.
About 10,000 trees are expected to be planted within the Akyeam enclave under the project.
BY Daniel Bampoe