The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has called for a multi-faceted approach to addressing illegal mining in the country.
He expressed grave concern about the invasion of his mining concession at Akropong by illegal miners, which he said has caused significant environmental damage.
According to the Asantehene, the approach should include the deployment of security personnel to protect concessions, the regularisation of small-scale mining operations, and the provision of alternative livelihoods for those engaged in illegal mining.
He stated that he had plans to allocate the site for proper mining, but the illegal miners had invaded the place resulting in significant damage.
The Asantehene expressed the sentiment during a courtesy call on him by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, at the Manhyia Palace, last Friday.
The discussion bothered on the ongoing challenges in Ghana’s fight against illegal mining and the need for comprehensive and sustainable solutions.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu further underlined the creation of alternative job opportunities for individuals involved in illegal mining, stressing “these children engaged in galamsey need jobs. We need to assist them so they don’t return to illegal mining.”
He reiterated his appeal for extensive policies to help curb the menace, which in his view “is not only affecting the environment but the economy.”
The Minister assured the Asantehene that the government was committed to introducing innovative reforms in the mining sector to tackle illegal mining.
“We have laid out a plan to address these issues. We recently established an 18-member national committee and are working on re-categorising mining classifications.
“This is part of our strategy to combat illegal mining,” the Minister indicated.
FROM KINGSLEY E. HOPE, KUMASI
