Galamsey: Reclaim your lands - Okyehene tells residents

Akyem, Ghana - The Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council, led by Okyenhene Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has launched an initiative to reclaim lands devastated by illegal mining activities.

The move aims to restore these lands to their rightful owners and protect the environment and community health.

Speaking at a durbar of chiefs and people of the Gyaase division, Ofori Panin expressed concern over the health risks posed by abandoned open pits and the environmental degradation caused by galamsey.

He emphasized the traditional council's commitment to overseeing the reclamation process.

“Any landowner who releases his or her land to a miner stands the chance of losing it for life if the miners do not reclaim the land after mining. We shall look for resources and reclaim those lands and hold the interest in those lands and nobody can do anything about it.'' he staed

“Today some new babies are born with deformities, some without hands, eyes and all forms of deformities due to the toxic nature of the chemicals left in our waters and land.

“People come here to mine, destroy our lands and leave to their hometowns to enjoy and you sit here as landowners and continue to release your lands for illegal miners. It’s unthinkable,'' he added.

Source: Lead News Online