Bono Minister warns chiefs against involvement in illegal mining
The Bono Regional Minister, Joseph Addae Akwaboa, has issued a strong warning to traditional leaders, stating that chiefs and queen mothers found participating in or facilitating illegal mining activities will face prosecution.
Speaking during his regional accountability tour in the Wenchi Municipality, the Minister stressed that the fight against illegal mining requires the active cooperation of traditional authorities and local communities to protect water bodies, forests and farmlands from further destruction.
He said the government’s anti-galamsey initiative, including the deployment of the Blue Water Guards, depends heavily on community support and intelligence gathering to identify and stop illegal operators.
Mr Akwaboa urged residents to report suspected illegal mining and illegal logging activities to security agencies, warning that traditional leaders would not be exempt from legal action if investigations linked them to such operations.
The Minister noted that the Blue Water Guards have begun full operations in the Bono Region as part of broader efforts to curb environmental degradation and safeguard natural resources.
Beyond the anti-galamsey campaign, Mr Akwaboa used the visit to assess progress on a number of development projects across the municipality. The inspection covered educational, health and water infrastructure projects, including classroom blocks, a clinic, a CHPS compound and a major water supply project.
He also toured the ongoing 24-hour market project in Wenchi and reviewed work on the town’s €30 million water system project.
Earlier in the day, the Regional Minister, accompanied by the Wenchi Municipal Chief Executive, Gloria Opoku Gyamfi, and the area’s Member of Parliament, Alhaji Seidu Haruna, paid a courtesy call on the Paramount Chief of the Wenchi Traditional Area, Osagyefo Ampem Anye Amoampong Tabrako III.
The warning comes amid renewed national efforts to crack down on illegal mining, which authorities say continues to pose a significant threat to Ghana’s environment and water resources.
Source: myjoyonline.com
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