Traditional leaders across mining communities in Ghana have been issued a stern warning by the Convener of Bibiani Citizen Eye, Charles Obeng (Sir Coke), that any chief who fails to curb illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, in their jurisdiction will be the first to face accusations.
Speaking to AkuapemHann on Okyeame Radio, he stressed that chiefs remain the custodians of the land and cannot absolve themselves of responsibility when water bodies are destroyed and farmlands degraded in the name of galamsey.
He noted that chiefs are the first point of contact when illegal miners arrive in a particular town. Therefore, they cannot escape criticism when the menace escalates in their areas, adding that traditional rulers who show no interest in curbing illegal mining are likely involved and are direct beneficiaries of it.
According to him, chiefs should verify the licences of so-called miners and consult their subordinates for approval before allowing any form of mining.
Written by: AKUAPEM-HANN KWAME OMONO ASAMOAH, Bibiani.
