Traditional authorities at Nkroful in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region are spearheading a scheme to regulate illegal mining, also known as ‘galamsey’ in the area. A group of miners have constituted themselves into a small-scale entity, and the chiefs want part of a concession belonging to Adamus Resources Limited to be reserved for the artisanal miners. They believe the move to provide employment to the over 20,000 youth in the community will bring development and also stem social vices in the area. The Nkroful Small-Scale Mining Association has the backing of chiefs in about fourteen communities, led by Nkrofulhene, Nana Kwasi Kutua V. When development becomes core target Adamus has been carrying out exploration work in the area since 2006, but went into commercial production two years ago, with active mining nearby Talaku-Bukazo and Salman. The mining firm, apart from honoring its statutory responsibilities to government, has 40 per cent of about 1000 workers being from the area. For instance, the company in 2011 paid GH¢1,329,820 in royalties to the government of Ghana. Natives however accuse the company of contributing little to the development of local communities, an accusation the company has denied. They cited a 1, 000 Ghana cedis donation for the funeral of a late chief as the only benefit the communities have received from Adamus. The chiefs interestingly supported the residents, claiming the construction of an out-patient department facility for the local clinic at Nkroful, street-light and drainage systems were rather funded by the illegal miners. These galamseyers, they said, registered BECE candidates, and organized extra tuition for them in 14 communities. They have also ensured streets are maintained with accessible roads. The chiefs are therefore demanding 25 acres of land from the company to serve as a source of livelihood for their subjects. They also want Adamus to stop surface mining which according to them, has caused environmental pollution to the people of Talaku-Bukazo and Salman. Nana Kutua V told Nhyira News the only option left for the people is to facilitate and regulate small-scale mining for the development of the area. He said he prefers active and development-oriented small scale miners than Adamus Resources. “During the funeral of the late Nana (Chief), Adamus brought us GH¢1000 that is what I remember but the small scale miners have really contributed enormously by constructing one in town OPD; they have also constructed a road across the Subiri River. They also constructed another road,” Nana Kutua said. Nananom are in support of illegal or ‘galamsey’ miners based on their performance and their quest to help develop communities, he added. “We wrote a petition to the President to plead with him to cede 25 acres to the community to prevent Adamus from mining in that area and there is a need for the government to also ensure that small scale miners will continue to work,” said Nana Kutua. He warned “on the other hand if all efforts prove futile, we will advise ourselves”. Adamus Resources officials are worried about the presence of ‘galamsey’ miners in the firm’s concession. “It’s difficult for our security guys to ward off these illegal miners because they are not armed; they are not recognized per sey…And the situation of illegal miners too is that you know some of them use drugs so it is quiet challenging”, says Corporate Services Responsibility Manager, Kofi Adusei. The Nkroful Small-Scale Mining Association say they have for 11 years applied for part of the Adamus concession for its members. But Mr. Adusei also denies receipt of any official application from the illegal miners for land for their operations. However, a Minerals Commission cadastral plan suggests the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources should have issued the permit after the Environmental Protection Agency had issued them with a permit. Members say they will resist, if not fight with their blood, any attempt to deprive them of their livelihood. Nhyira FM has learnt members are arming themselves for a showdown with officials of Adamus Resources. Spokesperson, Kwadwo Dei Nuamah, warns of impending clashes if Adamus Resources dare throw them out of the land, whilst they await their permit. “They (Adamus) would never be allowed, except they wipe all of us out that they can have the free chance to mine here”, Mr. Nuamah warned.