Kontinhene of Asuom, Nana Boadi Amponim Obodade III, has appealed to President Akufo-Addo to take decisive action against illegal mining (Galamsey) and reform the sector before his term ends.
Illegal mining refers to mining activities that are undertaken without proper authorization, permits, or licenses from the appropriate government authorities, or in violation of existing mining laws and regulations.
In Ghana, miners are supposed to acquire licences from the Ghana Minerals Commission to operate legally, however, most miners bypass this procedure, which affects the environment as a whole.
In an interview with Channel One News, Nana Obodade III expressed his frustration and disappointment over the devastating impact of illegal mining (galamsey) on the Asuom community.
He highlighted the blatant disregard for regulations, citing instances where individuals with prospecting licences are misusing them, and those without contracts are freely destroying the environment.
Specifically, he mentioned AC Zenon, allegedly linked to Amina Tahiru who is alleged to be a relative of Lands Minister Abu Jinapor, which has refused to comply with the community’s demands to stop operations and reclaim damaged lands.
Nana Obodade III emphasised that President Akufo-Addo has a unique opportunity to leave a lasting legacy by addressing this critical issue.
He reminded the President of his pledge to tackle illegal mining and urged him to take concrete steps within the next two months.
The Kontinhene suggested convening a meeting to re-evaluate the sector and implement sustainable solutions.
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“People that have prospecting license are using it, people that do not have contracts for concessions are just using the paper and by care destroying wherever they go.
“It’s a huge battle for this country because AC Zenon which is Amina Tahiru’s company and I’m not scared to mention that it is alleged that she is a brother of Abu Jinapor, so therefore, she can just go, and a concession will sign for her.”
“As we speak today, the youth of Asuom have told all of them to stop work, go back, reclaim all the destruction you have caused and most of them obliged. Madam Amina Tahiru is saying she’ll not oblige. As a matter of fact, she has military men today at her site, protecting it while they mine.”
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“Mr President [Akufo-Addo], you’re our uncle and a brother, we barely have about months to go but I believe you can change things around, you can do it. You pledged your presidency on the line for galαmsey. Your legacy will be measured for that pledge and posterity will not forgive you if you do not do something about it now, we are pleading with you.”
“Within two months you can cause a change because when it was banned, within a few weeks we realised that we were having some positive results, ban it. Get people together. let’s go back to the drawing board and do things right.”