Katakyie Kwasi Bumangama III
THE PARAMOUNT Chief of the Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Council in the Western North Region has given his divisional chiefs two weeks ultimatum, to ensure that all earth-moving machines and heavy equipment used in illegal mining activities, are removed from illegal mining sites in their areas.
This, according to Katakyie Kwasi Bumagama II, will help to enforce the ban on illegal mining, known as galamsey, in the region.
It is also to support President Akufo-Addo’s fight against the menace.
Katakyie Kwasi Bumagama II pointed out that the fight against illegal mining was not the responsibility of only politicians but all Ghanaians.
The paramount chief, who doubles as a Board Member of the Forestry Commission, however, called on government and security agencies to continue to assist in combating illegal mining.
“Any chief under the Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Council who goes contrary to my orders will be sanctioned,” he warned.
The paramount chief issued the warning through the chief of Paboase, Nana Frimpong Manso, during a meeting with the divisional chiefs at the Okogyeabour Palace in Sefwi Wiawso.
He said the directive would be followed by regular visits to some of the illegal mining sites to track and arrest the perpetrators of illegal mining.
“Illegal mining has caused extensive damage to the environment, particularly water bodies, forest reserves, and farmland.
“The canker also threatens food security with debilitating socio-economic consequences,” he lamented.
He also warned settlers who have sold their farmlands or were planning to sell them to galamsey operators to stop immediately, or have their lands seized.
FROM Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi