By P K Yankey, GNA
Ampain (W/R), Nov. 03, GNA – The Nzema Maanle Queenmothers Association has appealed to chiefs in the Nzema area to stamp their authority in the fight against illegal mining activities, popularly called galamsey.
According to the Association, chiefs happened to be the first point of call in their respective localities before any galamsey activity comes into operation.
Led by Awulae Hemaa Adakyi II, the Acting President, the Association passed a resolution at the end of its conference at Ampain in the Ellembelle District to support chiefs in their respective jurisdictions to intensify the fight against illegal mining.
The conference noted that chiefs and other traditional rulers, as custodians of the land, reserved the right to clamp down on any illegal mining activities on their lands.
According to the conference, the government alone could not end the fight against galamsey unless traditional rulers actively complemented its efforts.
The queenmothers commended the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources led by Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah for the efforts in fighting illegal mining activities and the gains made so far.
The conference noted the wanton destruction of land, forest reserves and water bodies and the debilitating effects on the health and future of the people.
According to the queenmothers, the get-rich-quick attitude had driven most of the youth into the wanton destruction of the environment for money.
The Association expressed serious concern about the health implications of galamsey, adding that it was killing people faster with a lot of newly born babies being maimed with deformities.
The conference unanimously identified galamsey activities as a dangerous precedent for the current generation and posterity and called for a concerted effort to stem the tide.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga/Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: P K Yankey
Reporter’s email address: [email protected]