The Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, wants governemnt to reconsider the community mining initiative instituted by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Mining (IMCM) as an alternative to the illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
While he casts doubt over adherence to best practices and responsible mining when the initiative is finally rolled out, the Akyem Abuakwa overlord wants government to rather commit resources into the planting for food and jobs initiative.
"My suggestion is not an attack on your policy, it is a suggestion I'm making and I feel passionate about this.
“We cut trees recklessly when we know that the leaves hold carbon dioxide, we are cutting without knowing the life-saving features they may hold and for 62 years, we don't know where we are going,” he lamented.
The Okyenhene made the remark when the Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Kwaku Asoma Kyeremeh, paid a courtesy call on him at Kyebi in the Eastern Region.
The visit of the Minister formed part of a five-day field visit to mining communities in the region.
The Nana Akufo-Addo led government made a strong case against illegal mining looking at its devastating effects on lands, water bodies and forest in general and therefore, placed a ban on the practice to enable the government to find a better and lasting solution to its effect.
The community concept, born a few months ago, is being seen as a replacement and a relief to the youth who hitherto, became redundant due to the ban on illegal small scale mining.
But the Okyenhene believes the planting for food and jobs initiative was more sustainable and has the potential of raking in more money for the country than mining which he says has contributed little to the economy.
Mr. Asoma Kyeremeh on his part stated that he is in the region to explain the objective of the community mining initiative.
According to him, the initiative will reduce the price one has to pay for engaging in illegal mining.
The Minister and his entourage inspected some mining sites in Akyem-Gyampomanin and Dome in the Fanteakwa South District.
The Minister in his visit, directed that two mining firms, Lifelong Mining Company Limited and Dome Mines, reclaim degraded lands and mine hundred meters away from the Birim River.
Latest Stories
-
Let’s prioritize research quality in higher education institutions for industrial growth-Prof. Nathaniel Boso
34 mins -
Herman Suede is set to release ‘How Dare You’ on April 24
4 hours -
Heal KATH: Kuapa Kokoo, Association of Garages donate 120k to support project
5 hours -
KNUST signs MOU with Valco Trust Fund, Bekwai Municipal Hospital to build student hostel
5 hours -
The influence Ronaldo has on people, Cadman Yamoah will have same on the next generation – Coach Goodwin
5 hours -
Gender Advocate Emelia Naa Ayeley Aryee Wins prestigious Merck Foundation Awards
6 hours -
South Africa bursary scandal suspects granted bail
7 hours -
Ecobank successfully repays $500m Eurobond due April 18
7 hours -
Re: Doe Adjaho, Torgbui Samlafo IV, call for Unity among Paramountcies in Anlo
7 hours -
Extortion and kidnap – a deadly journey across Mexico into the US
7 hours -
Rihanna says fashion has helped her personal ‘rediscovery’ after having children
7 hours -
Development Bank Ghana targets GH¢1bn funding for commercial banks in 2024
8 hours -
Shatta Movement apologises to Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled after backlash
8 hours -
Sammy Gyamfi writes: Tema-Mpakadan Railway Project; A railway line to nowhere
9 hours -
Bright Simons: Is the World Bank saving or harming Ghana?
9 hours