Upper Denkyira threatened by galamsey

The chiefs and people of the Upper Denkyira, in the Central Region, have condemned illegal small-scale mining, popularly called galamsey, in the area.

Acting President of the Denkyira Traditional Council, Nana Okofo Anyimadu IV, speaking on behalf of the people, said the rate at which many cocoa farms were being destroyed by galamsey operators with Chinese expatriates at the helm of affairs, was alarming.

He was speaking at a meeting organized by the Ghana Integrity Initiative in collaboration with the Upper Denkyira East Municipal Assembly at Dunkwa-On-Offin.

Nana Anyimadu said the danger of uncovered pits, after their operation posed threat to the lives of inhabitants in Kyekyewere, Akyeampim, Nkotimso and Abenabena other communities.

He said, apart from the environmental degradation, galamsey resulted in school dropouts in the area as some school children engaged in illegal mining.

Nana Anyimadu observed that cocoa production in the Upper Denkyira Municipal Chief Executive was under threat, and appealed to the Municipal Security Committee to stop illegal mining in the area.

The Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Peter Kofi Owusu Ashia, said the assembly would not compromise the activities of illegal mining in the area.

He advised those involved in the activity to seek certification from the Minerals Commission, and to reclaim land by covering old mine pits.