The Paramount Chief of Lower Axim, Awulae Attibrukusu, has urged traditional leaders across the country to rally behind the government’s renewed efforts to combat illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, to safeguard Ghana’s river bodies and forest reserves for present and future generations.
Speaking to Citi News on the sidelines of a meeting of the Lower Axim Traditional Council, Awulae Attibrukusu — a former Vice President of the National House of Chiefs — praised the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, for his visible commitment to tackling the menace.
He stressed that chiefs must take their role in the fight against galamsey seriously to be remembered as responsible stewards of the land.
“The government is doing a lot with regard to galamsey. Just about a week or so ago, the lands minister was able to train about 453 personnel who are going to take charge and do their best to stop galamsey. They will not be going to the forests alone, but they will be going with the police and the soldiers.
“I happen to be the one who chairs the function to a successful end. Just as the government has been pressing home the galamsey menace, I want to urge Nananom help. As I always say, nobody can just get up and take a machine and go the forest to mine, because it is a big machine. So, I want nananom to take charge to and help in the fight,” he stated
As part of efforts to combat galamsey, the lands minister on April 21, ordered the revocation of the mining lease of Akonta Mining Company Ltd. following revelations of the company’s deep involvement in illegal mining activities.
According to the Minister, although Akonta Mining holds a license to operate off-reserve, the company had encroached into the Aboi and Tano Nimiri Forest Reserves in the Western North Region.
The investigations further revealed that Akonta Mining had been selling access to these reserves to illegal miners for as much as GHS 300,000 per concession. In return, some of these miners allegedly paid weekly royalties in gold—up to 250 grams—to the company.
The Minister identified key individuals involved in these illicit activities, including a company liaison named Mr. Ayisi, who facilitated the deals, and two others known as “Mr. Henry” and “Shark,” who were reportedly responsible for overseeing the on-ground destruction of the forest landscape.
