Abosso: The Chiefs of Abosso and Bompieso Communities in the Prestea Huni Valley Municipality of the Western Region have condemned the illegal mining activities, warning politicians to keep off their lands.
According to Ghana News Agency, the chiefs expressed concern over the devastation caused by illegal miners, or galamseyers, whom they allege are supported by political actors in the constituency and region. The chiefs have thus endorsed ongoing raids by the National Security, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), and other security agencies to curb these activities.
A press statement issued and signed by Nana Kwesi Appiah II, Chief of Abosso, commended the Ministers of Lands and Natural Resources and the Interior for their efforts. The statement also praised the Minister of Defence for responding swiftly to calls for clearing unauthorized miners from their lands and advocated for responsible mining practices.
The chiefs highlighted their role as traditional leaders and allodia owners of the lands spanning Abosso, Huniso, and Bompieso, asserting they were unaware of the illegal activities that have long destroyed their lands, farmlands, and water bodies. They cautioned politicians within and beyond the Prestea Huni Valley Municipality against encouraging illegal encroachment on their lands.
Emphasizing a commitment to responsible mining, the traditional leaders stated their intention to resist any unlawful activities through legal means. They stressed the importance of preserving natural resources handed down by their ancestors and reiterated their responsibility as custodians to protect forest zones and water bodies.
The chiefs affirmed that the ongoing raids were a collective effort with the consent of Nananom, the traditional leadership of Abosso and Bompieso, aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of their citizens and preventing irresponsible mining activities. They urged security agencies to continue their efforts to protect forests currently under threat by political actors.
