The Paramount Chief of Lower Axim, Awulae Attibrukusu III, has led an operation with his sub chiefs to arrest miners at some illegal mining sites in the Nzema East Municipality of the Western Region.
Awulae has vowed to hold accountable any traditional leader in his jurisdiction found to be complicit in environmental degradation and ensure they face swift sanctions from the traditional council.
Ghana’s water bodies are facing an unprecedented crisis due to the devastating effects of illegal mining or galamsey. This menace has ravaged the country’s natural resources, putting aquatic species and water resources at severe risk.
In a bold move to safeguard his community, Awulae Attibrukusu III, raided two galamsey sites, Ewoku and Kegyina, in the Nzema East Municipality of the Western Region.
The operation resulted in the arrest of one Chinese and two Ghanaians.
Awulae Attibrukusu III, shocked and dismayed upon discovering the alarming scale of destruction in his area, contrary to his initial assumption that it was spared, has vowed to hold accountable any traditional leader found to be complicit.
“I received disturbing reports that some of my sub-chiefs were involved in illegal mining activities. I couldn’t believe it, so I decided to investigate personally. Unfortunately, what I witnessed today is heartbreaking. Specifically, in Ewoku, a community I least expected to be engaged in such illicit activities”.
“The involvement of leaders in these illegalities is particularly disconcerting, as it disrespects my stance on the matter. The youth in my community are well aware of my opposition to galamsey, but it’s the leaders who are perpetuating this destructive practice”.
“As a result, I’ve summoned an emergency traditional council meeting to address this issue. One of the implicated chiefs has effectively sacked himself. Let this serve as a warning: regardless of status, anyone found complicit will face consequences.”
Awulae Attibrukusu III rallying his community, not to sit idle while a few illegal miners destroy their environment, emphasized the importance of collective action to protect their natural resources.
“We must leverage government apparatus, including the police and military, to combat this galamsey menace. If I hadn’t intervened, our youth would have taken matters into their own hands and destroyed the equipment. Instead, I urged them to bring the evidence to the police station.
“We’ve already arrested one Chinese and two Ghanaian nationals, and I will see this case through to its conclusion. This is not small-scale mining; it’s outright galamsey, as evident in the devastating river destruction – massive holes dug into the riverbed. I will ensure they reclaim the site”. Awulae Attibrukusu III stated
This bold move by the Paramount Chief of Lower Axim demonstrates his commitment to preserving the environment and safeguarding the future of his community.
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