Desist from allocating lands for galamsey - Bono Regional Minister

The Bono Regional Minister, Joseph Addae Akwaboah, has issued a stern warning to traditional authorities who allocate land in their communities to illegal miners.

Speaking in an interview on JoyNews, monitored by GhanaWeb on Friday, March 7, 2025, he reaffirmed his commitment to tackling the growing menace of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

He urged traditional authorities in the region to desist from releasing lands to illegal miners.

"As long as I remain in office as the Bono Regional Minister, I will combat illegal mining. I will not allow them to operate in this region, so they should stop. We will not permit their activities. We know where they are, and we are coming after them.

"And to those chiefs who have given land to illegal miners, I am issuing this warning: if I catch them, they will be arrested and prosecuted. I will set politics aside on this matter. If you are a chief and you have allocated land for galamsey activities, when you are arrested, I will ensure that you face prosecution," he stated.

He also advised the youth in the area to abandon illegal mining and seek other viable employment opportunities.

"I urge the young men involved in galamsey to stop because President Mahama has numerous programs that can provide them with employment opportunities.

"Earning money by destroying our forests and water bodies is not the way forward. The president will introduce programs that will engage them and help them earn a living. So, they should not destroy our natural resources," he added.

JKB/WLB

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