Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has threatened to sanction chiefs within his jurisdiction who engage or assist in illegal mining activities in the country.
Speaking at a Regional Consultative Dialogue on Small Scale Mining, Wednesday, the Asantehene noted that critical steps must be taken to rid the country of the phenomenon irrespective of the personalities involved.
“On my part, I have already warned my Chiefs and elders against participation in such illegalities and I will not hesitate to strongly sanction any such infraction. Already I have had reports on some things happening at Amanse, the Fomena area and I will be investigating that to see what is happening,” he said.
He indicated that District Chief Executives should be held responsible for illegal mining activities that occur within their respective districts since they are mandated to ensure mining activities are done in accordance with the mining framework.
According to him, government requires a carefully thought-through multi-stakeholder approach if it is will stand a chance in its fight against illegal mining activities.
He, therefore, presented some proposals, which if followed, could help preserve the environment and the water bodies.
The Asantehene suggested that a special fund be set up to address investment and exploration activities along the gold belts of the country to check encroachment by illegal miners and better define mineral resorts and identify new sites for mining.
He added: “In accordance with the Minamata Convention to which Ghana is a signatory, the use of mercury for gold processing should be banned. This should then be replaced with training and capacity building for small scale miners on less dangerous means for gold recovery.”
In conclusion, he urged the government to desist from paying lip service to traditional authorities and actively involve them in the fight against galamsey.
Source: Myjoyonline
