Nana Yim Awere Ababio II, the Chief of Toase, has issued a strong call to action to Members of Parliament for Atwima Mponua and Atwima Nwabiagya South, urging them to take a firm stand against illegal mining, commonly known as Galamsey.
The chief made this known during the Akwaside festival at Toase, where Hon. Seth Osei Akoto and Hon. Shirley Kyei, MPs for the respective constituencies, visited him.
In response to the chief’s challenge, Hon. Seth Osei Akoto pledged to do his best to combat Galamsey in the Atwima Mponua district.
As a parliamentary candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Hon. Akoto emphasized his commitment to promoting development and protecting the environment in his constituency.
Hon. Shirley Kyei stressed the importance of combating Galamsey, citing its significant environmental and social impacts on many communities in Ghana. She highlighted the need for collective action to protect the area’s natural resources.
Galamsey has been a persistent issue in Ghana, with many communities suffering from the devastating effects of illegal mining.
The practice has resulted in severe land degradation, destruction of forest reserves, and pollution of major water sources.
The Toase Chief’s challenge to the MPs underscores the need for collaborative efforts to address the Galamsey menace.
Some have suggested that officials and politicians who accept payments from galamsey operators or permit mining on their lands should face prosecution and removal from office.²
By working together, the government, traditional leaders, and local communities can take decisive action to protect Ghana’s environment and natural resources.
