The Okyenhene Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin has charged the security agencies to arrest and prosecute all illegal miners in the Akyem land. He was optimistic that some traditional rulers are behind this unlawful act and asked that they should not be spared by the law. The Okyenhene made this charges when he invited the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Victor Smith to brief him and to see for himself the devastating effects of illegal mining at Kyebi.

He said the laws of the country have to be strictly enforced and said anyone who flouts them should be strictly dealt with accordingly. He said the problem of illegal mining does not only exist at Kyebi but most part of the country that needs swift intervention by all stakeholders to curtail the situation.

The Okyenhene however entreated the government to put in place stringent measures to confiscate their equipment and arrest them. He alleged that some Chinese are also in the act which he describes as disrespectfulness to the rule of law.

According to him he recently dismissed 10 workers from his palace for their involvement in galamsey activities. This was to register his sentiment at the situation and to serve as deterrent to others.

The Regional Minister, Mr Victor Smith who was conducted round the backyard of the Kibi School of the Deaf, where massive galamsey activities were going on, expressed shock and fear that the children could fall into the open pit.

The Minister implored mining companies to use the right process to acquire their concession to operate since small – scale mining, backed by law, is allowed in the country. Mr Smith promised government’s preparedness to deal with illegal mining in the Country. 

Source: ISD (Prosper Fetor-Tsormana, Koforidua)

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