By Daniel Agbesi Latsu
Kadjebi (O/R), Sept. 09, GNA – Nana Kofi Ollator IV, the Chief of Santrokofi Benua in the Guan District of the Oti Region, has cautioned traditional rulers against the indiscriminate release of lands for mining activities.
He said traditional authorities had a responsibility to carefully consider the long-term environmental and socio-economic implications of mining before granting access to lands under their jurisdiction.
Nana Ollator gave the advice at a one-day workshop on the theme: “Safe Environment from Galamsey Menace,” organised by the Accelerated Rural Development Organisation (ARDO), a non-governmental organisation, to sensitise stakeholders on environmental protection and the responsible management of natural resources.
The workshop was held at Kadjebi in the Oti Region.
He said the ripple effects of mining on the environment could be far-reaching, particularly where mining activities were undertaken without adequate measures to protect water bodies, farmlands, forests, and other natural resources.
Nana Ollator cautioned traditional rulers against being motivated solely by immediate financial gains when considering requests for land for mining, stressing that the consequences of such decisions could affect generations yet to be born.
“Whatever good or bad comes out of the release of our lands will affect not only the present generation but also the future of the chiefdom,” he said.
He urged chiefs to engage relevant state institutions, environmental experts and community members before approving mining activities, to ensure that such decisions were informed by proper assessments of their potential impact on the environment and livelihoods.
The Chief further called for greater community participation in decisions concerning the use of traditional lands, particularly where mining activities had the potential to affect farming, water resources and other sources of livelihood.
He said chiefs, as custodians of customary lands, had crucial roles in protecting the environment and ensuring that natural resources were managed sustainably for the benefit of present and future generations.
Nana Ollator also urged mining companies operating in traditional areas to comply with environmental regulations and undertake appropriate reclamation measures after mining, to restore degraded lands.
He appealed to traditional leaders to work closely with local authorities and relevant regulatory institutions to monitor mining operations and ensure that mining companies fulfilled their environmental and social responsibilities.
He said protecting the environment should be treated as a shared responsibility requiring the commitment of traditional authorities, government agencies, mining companies, and local communities.
Nana Ollator stressed that development should not be pursued at the expense of the environment and the livelihoods of future generations.
Mr John Adjadja, a former Assemblyman for the Wawaso/Wawaboi Electoral Area and a participant, commended ARDO for organising the workshop, describing it as an eye-opener for residents of the Kadjebi District.
He said the workshop was timely, particularly as residents were preparing to witness iron ore mining activities at Gyamonome, a farming community in the district.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/ Christabel Addo