Chief wants illegal mining stopped

Nana Kwame Ntim, Omanhene of the Manfo Traditional Area, has called on Ghanaians to prevent the destruction of the environment through illegal mining, popularly called ‘galamsey’.

He said the unrestrained activities of illegal miners, who dig for gold and other minerals, destroying crops, timber plantations, forest reserves and wetlands, should be stopped.

Nana Ntim warned that inaction by the people could have dire consequences for the nation and the economy.

The Omanhene was contributing to a discussion at a day’s workshop on illegal mining, jointly organized by the Ahafo-Ano North District Security Committee (DISEC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Minerals Commission.

It was attended by chiefs, assembly members and farmers from the Manfo and Subriso, where the Galamsey activities are pronounced.

Nana Ntim said illegal mining in the area had led to insecurity, robberies, use of hard drugs and commercial sex among the youth.

Mr Isaac Osei, a representative of the EPA, said the Agency would collaborate with institutions and stakeholders to prevent disaster.

He said “pollution of water bodies and the stripping bare of the natural vegetation can spell doom for the nation.”

Police Chief Superintendent Isaac Kwaku Buah, Tepa Divisional Police Commander, appealed to the people to support the security agencies to fight robbery in the area.

Mr David Osei Amankwah, the District Chief Executive, appealed to the people to protect and ensure judicious exploitation of the nation’s natural resources.