By Dennis Peprah
Sunyani, Jan. 29, GNA – Mr Anthony Duah, the Bono Regional Director of Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday expressed worry about emerging illegal mining activities in parts of the region, calling for concerted support to bring the situation under control.
He said the Agency required the collective support of traditional authorities and local communities in the region to stem the menace and protect the environment and water bodies from destruction.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani, Mr Duah however, commended Osagyefo Ampem Anye Amoampong Tabrako III, the Paramount Chief of Wenchi and President of the Wenchi Traditional Council for his swift intervention to stem the emerging illegal mining activities in the Wenchi Municipality.
“The Wenchi Paramount Chief has set a shining example in the fight against illegal mining, and we expect other chiefs in the region to emulate,” he stated.
Mr Duah said concerted efforts were required to stop spots of illegal mining activities in the Banda District too and called for collaboration between the traditional authorities and the local communities there to stem the activities of the miners.
He emphasised that the devastating effects and consequences of illegal mining remained enormous, saying without the support and cooperation of the local communities and chiefs and queens, it would be difficult for the government to stem the menace.
GNA