The Chief of Akyem Wenchi, who also serves as the Oseawuohene, Daasebre Dr. Asumadu Appiah, has clarified his recent comments about galamsey in his community.
The chief has said there has been a miscommunication, stating his comment has been misunderstood.
Daasebere Appiah during a visit to the community by New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia acknowledged that the youth of Wenchi and its environs are unlikely to stop galamsey.
The chief explained that the Wenchi area lacks alternative employment opportunities, leaving illegal mining as the primary source of income for many.
But in an interview on Adom FM’s morning sow, Dwaso Nsem, Daasebere Appiah said he has never endorsed illegal mining or enjoyed from its proceed.
The chief has said he only sought to communicate the concerns of his people to Dr Bawumia, hence further proposed a regulated community mining scheme.
“As the chief, I am supposed to protect the lands and water bodies left behind by our ancestors for future generation. So how can I say my people cannot stop galamsey?
“From Akwatia, Asutsuare, Oda and its surroundings, I’m known by indigenes and the Police as one of the chiefs fighting against galamsey,” he stated.
Determined to institute community mining, Daasebere Appiah indicated he has began processing documents to that effect.
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