A lawyer and historian, Yaw Anokye Frimpong says the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, as part of his silver jubilee celebration must lead the charge against illegal mining popularly known as “Galamsey”.
Over the years, all attempts to successfully deal with this menace has proved futile from government and other stakeholders. Rivers and streams turned murky with sediment, poisoning the water and killing fish. Forests were cleared, destroying the habitat of countless animals. Communities were displaced, their homes and livelihoods destroyed.
The government tried to crack down on galamsey, but the operators were often too powerful, bribing officials and intimidating those who opposed them.
The fight against galamsey has been a hard-fought battle for residents whose lives and livelihoods are at risk by this action.
However, speaking exclusively to RGG NEWS lawyer Anokye, stated “It is time Asantehene mobilizes his Chiefs and has an in-depth sit down with government machinery to help restore the lands and resources that have been destroyed by the act of galamsey”.
Adding that if care is not taken sooner or later Ghana will lose her position as the distributor of cocoa to neighbouring country Côte d’Ivoire and others who are taking measures to penetrate the market.
He is therefore calling on all stakeholders to device a feasible approach that will help fight galamsey and restore our natural pride as a country.
