Hwidiem Traditional Council against illegal mining - Chief

Osuodumgya Barima Apea-Dwaah Boafo II, Paramount Chief of Hwidiem, has denied media reports that Chinese are engaged in illegal mining on Hwidiem stool lands.

He said Hwidiem Traditional Council (HTC) does not condone illegal mining.

“The HTC does not give concessions for mining purposes to prospective miners because it does not have the authority and mandate to lease any land to any company or group of people for mining operations.”

Osuodumgya Boafo who was speaking at a news conference at Hwidiem in the Asutifi South District of Brong-Ahafo Region, said it is not true that the Council had leased land to Khadamar Mining Company.

He explained the Khadamar Mining Company is only doing mining prospecting in the area with license from Minerals Commission.

Osuodumgya Boafo emphasised: “I have not allocated any land area for any illegal mining or other clandestine business activities because being a member of the Asanteman Council that would have amounted to defying the directive of the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

“I am mindful of the constant reminder by Otumfuo Osei Tutu, President of the Council at our meetings that any chief who does not follow the right channel and procedures to lease land for mining operations would be destooled.”

Mr Modestus Nuworsu, District Chief Executive said at the last general meeting of the Assembly in 2014, the issue came up for discussion and members decided to investigate to ascertain the authenticity of the matter.

Mr James Ekow Nyarko, Operations Manager of Khadamar Mining Company, confirmed to Ghana News Agency that the company started prospecting in the area from September 1, 2014 after obtaining license for the purpose from the Minerals Commission.