The Nponuahene of Akuapem Adukrom, Nana Obri Atakorah Asare has called on the government to empower chiefs to deal with the issue of Galamsey in the country.
He said the powers of chiefs to arrest recalcitrant citizens had diminished and there was very little they could do to salvage the vile environmental degradation perpetrated through the wanton exploitation of gold.
Speaking at a press conference in the Eastern Region on Friday, January 6, the chief suggested to the government to fully involve traditional rulers in mining communities or areas in the fight against illegal mining.
He indicated that any other measures without chiefs would be a total failure.
Nana Obri Atakorah commenting on the president’s defence of Akonta Mine over its alleged involvement in Galamsey activities as unfortunate, the chief said such was a clear indication that politicians cannot win the Galamsey fight without the traditional leaders.
He added that there will always be a conflict of interest in their attempt to fight Galamsey. Hence, the need to infest the power of the chiefs to champion the fight.
