The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, is lamenting the invasion of his mining concession by illegal miners, causing significant damage.
According to him, illegal miners have invaded his mining concession at Akropong without his notice.
“The site that was given to me has been invaded by illegal miners. Meanwhile, I had plans of giving it out for proper mining. We must find a way to solve this crisis” he said.
He expressed his disappointment that despite efforts by the government to combat the problem, illegal mining continues to thrive.
Speaking at a meeting with the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, the Asantehene called for extensive measures to help curb the menace, which he believes is not only affecting the environment but the economy.
The Asantehene called for a multi-faceted approach to addressing illegal mining, including the deployment of security personnel to protect concessions, the regularization of small-scale mining operations, and the provision of alternative livelihoods for those engaged in illegal mining.
According to the Asantehene, extensive approaches, including the creation of jobs for illegal miners, must be adopted.
“These children who are engaged in galamsey need jobs. We need to assist them so they don’t go back to the sites” he added.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has assured of innovative reforms in the mining sector to help fight galamsey.
“We have laid out a plan to deal with these issues….we just set up a national 18-member committee, we are also doing re-categorizations of the mining categories. This is to help fight illegal mining” he added.
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