The Queen mother of the Denyase-Huntaado area in the Ashanti region has made a strong case for traditional authorities to play a role in fighting illegal mining across Ghana.

Nana Adutwiwaa Bonnin III has been sharing her efforts in warding off illegal miners who have attempted to destroy lands in her jurisdiction.

The police and indigenes of Huntaado also speak of the involvement of state and political actors in the collective drive to clamp down on galamsey.

They were speaking at the second edition of the “Poisoned for Gold” Community Tour, an outreach programme on galamsey sponsored by the VOA/USAGM and the Multimedia Group.

Illegal mining has poisoned almost all major rivers and streams across the country raising extreme public health concerns.

Denyasemanhemaa, Nana Adutwiwaa Bonnin III, used her strong stance against illegal mining in the community to emphasize the role of traditional authorities in the fight against illegal mining.

She was speaking at the public showing of the Twi version of “Poisoned for Gold", a Joynews Hotline documentary.

The second edition, which was held in the Ashanti regional town of Denyase-Huntaado attracted mixed reactions about factors fueling galamsey.

Deputy Crime Officer for Ashanti South Office of the Ghana Police Service, ASP Princeton Peasah Darkwa, prevailed on community leaders to help bring illegal miners to book.

The "Poisoned For Gold" community tour is sponsored by the VOA/USAGM and the US Department of State, Bureau of Oceans, International and Scientific Affairs, Office of Conservation and Water.