Who is in charge of security, and why haven't we been able to put an end to galamsey?' - Asantehene.
Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has questioned why Ghana has failed to combat the threat of illegal small-scale mining ('galamsey').
In an Opemsuo Radion interview, Asantehene also questioned why the security apparatus in these 'galamsey' areas, as well as the government-created taskforce, have failed to stop the menace.
He hinted that small-scale mining had been practiced for many years, but never to the detriment of the environment.
"Galamsey is an albatross around our neck." It's unfortunate that this is happening in this manner.
"Ghana was known as the Gold Coast, so it was menial." But it wasn't like the galamsey we're talking about back then. It was there when people were doing menial tasks hundreds and hundreds of years ago.
"However, it has unfortunately progressed to the point where people are now using equipment and all that." They are unconcerned about the environment.
"However, the question is who controls the security around the area." From the district to the national level. Everyone is talking about galamsey. To combat galamsey, the government established this military cum police force. Why haven't we been able to put a stop to it? "Why?" he inquired.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has directed the Forestry Commission to halt Akonta Mining Company's operations in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve of the Amenfi West Municipal Assembly.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry's Public Affairs on Friday, September 30, 2022, the Company owned by the ruling NPP Chairman for Ashanti Region, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, alias Wontumi, has been conducting mining operations in the forest without a permit.
"The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has been alerted to publications concerning certain Akonta Mining Limited operations in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve in the Amenfi West Municipality in the Western Region."
"Records available to the Ministry show that while Akonta Mining Ltd has a mining lease to conduct mining operations in some parts of Samreboi outside the Forest Reserve, the company has no mineral right to conduct mining operations in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve," according to the statement.
According to the Ministry, while Akonta Mining Company applied for a mining permit in the said forest reserve, the Minister had yet to approve any such application, making the firm's activities in the said forest reserve illegal.
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