|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The Omanhene of the Ntotroso Traditional Area, Barima Twereku Ampem III in the Asutifi North district of the Brong Ahafo region has vowed to totally terminate and prevent the operation of illegal mining popularly known as “galamsey”.
He declared during the celebration of the Apumaso Festival that the initiative by President Akufo Addo to stop galamsey activities in the country is laudable.
According to Barima Twereku Ampem III, illegal mining is a criminal act and those involved must be arrested and prosecuted.
Barima Ampem noted that if care is not taken all the water bodies, forest reserves and the environment would finally be in total pollution and destruction respectively.
The Omanhene recalled that the swearing allegiance to the Asantehene, Nana Osei Tutu II who directed Nananom under him not to allow galamsey operation in their respective areas, thus, following suit.
The Omanhene also noted that surface mining also destroys the environment and that there is the urgent need to undertake activities for the reclamation of the land through tree planting amidst others.
He said the mining company in the area, Newmont Ghana Gold Limited should be mindful of putting that land back into food production and other useful means after the mining activities.
The Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyeman Manu on behalf of President Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo Addo conveyed a message to the Omanhene that he was solidly behind him and would be supported in all activities in the protection of the area development including the water bodies and forest.
The Minister said the government was not against mining but the approach adopted by some element in the industry was destroying the environment and water bodies, the ban was intended to sanitise the system.
Credit: Newshuntermag.com/Mark Asante
