Award-winning environmental journalist from the Multimedia Group, Erastus Asare Donkor, has revealed that six suspects will be prosecuted in connection with a violent assault by armed men while investigating illegal mining (galamsey) activities at Asumenya in the Ashanti Region.

The attack occurred on Sunday, 19 October, while the journalist was documenting environmental destruction associated with Edelmetallum Mining Resources Limited.

Ken Ashigbey, the convener of the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining, has proposed that empowering traditional leaders could play a pivotal role in addressing illegal mining, alongside ongoing national efforts.

He argued that involving traditional rulers would be highly advantageous, given their significant influence over the affairs of their communities.

Speaking on Joy FM’s *Super Morning Show* on Monday, 20 January, Mr Ashigbey remarked, "Give our chiefs a bit more power." He elaborated, "In some mining communities, there are days designated as taboo days, during which locals refrain from engaging in activities linked to crimes. If we can harness the authority of traditional leaders, we could achieve significant progress."

Mr Ashigbey further emphasised the need to properly empower law enforcement agencies, enabling them to effectively tackle conflicts and eliminate illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey.

His comments follow a recent clash between military personnel and civilians in Obuasi, Ashanti Region, over illegal gold mining activities.

Read also: 8 dead in clash between small-scale miners and soldiers guarding AGA Obuasi Mine