Two Chiefs in the western region have declared their respective custodial lands as no go area for illegal mining popularly known as ‘galamsey’.
Consequently, they have sent a strong warning to politicians and others engaged in the illegal menace to keep off their lands.
The chiefs have also endorsed the raid on illegal mining sites in the area by security operatives recently.
In a statement signed on behalf of Odikro of Aboso, Nana Kwasi Appiah reiterated that, the recent raid by anti-Galamsey Taskforce in the area had the full consent and blessings of the chiefs in the area.
“Nananom would like to reiterate that the raid being conducted is a collective effort and has our consent as the traditional leadership of Abosso and Bompieso, who are committed to the safety and well-being of our citizens”.
The statement encouraged the security operatives to continue their raid until the area was rid of illegal mining.
“We, through this release, urge the security agencies responsible for the raid to continue their good work, which is aimed at protecting our forest that is currently under siege”.
The statement continued that, the Aboso Odikro, together with his Bompieso counterpart endorse the ongoing galamsey raid by the joint security.
“We, the Chiefs and Elders of Abosso and Bompieso communities in the Prestea Huni Valley Municipality of the Western Region, do hereby affirm and endorse the ongoing galamsey raids by the joint security, mainly to clear all unauthorised groups and individuals who have for some years encroached on our lands in the name of galamsey”.
The chiefs said they were happy the raid was taking place on their respective lands and commended the Land and Natural Resource Minister and his Defense counterpart for heeding their calls.
“We are happy that the raid is taking place in our area and would like to commend and thank the Lands and Natural Resources Minister, the Interior Minister and the Defense Minister for adhering to our calls, which have led to this raid”.
As traditional leaders and allodia owners of the lands, which stretch from Abosso, Huniso and Bompieso, the chiefs said they were aware of the negative impact of illegal mining such as destruction of water bodies and farm lands and, therefore, could not sit unconcerned.
They warned “We wish to use this medium to warn all politicians within and outside the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality who have taken it upon themselves to encourage any recalcitrant individuals or groups further encroaching on our lands, mainly to engage in illegal mining activities, to refrain from hiding behind them”.
This is because, Nananom would not sit idle and watch any individual, group of persons continue to perpetuate harm to farm lands and water bodies anymore.
Nananom, Odikro stated in the release believed in responsible mining, and that is “what we are calling for, and not any act of indiscipline that leads to the destruction of our natural resources, which were handed over to us by our ancestors”.
