The Chief of Anyinasin in the Eastern Region, Osaberima Atta Appeakrong Agyei II, has detailed how he spearheaded destroying equipment meant for some illegal miners in the area.
Osaberima Atta Appeakrong has become the topic of discussion with applause for ordering the youth of Anyinasin to burn two excavators and other mining equipment used in illegal mining in his catchment area.
This comes in the wake of a galamsey crusade embarked on by Accra-based Angel TV, led by Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah, host of its flagship morning show dubbed ‘Angel Morning Show (AMS)’ to stop the menace.
The traditional authority, on the AMS Thursday, September 5, 2024, to his surprise was called via phone-in to recognize his efforts and charisma in the decision.
In his words, he told Okatakyei Afrifa-Mensah that his commitment to helping safeguard the water bodies and forest reserves been destroyed by galamsey moved him to take such bold actions.
Osaberima Atta Appeakrong added that beyond the state of destruction that motivated his actions, he was also saddened by the extent of damage caused to the environment in Anyinasin and its surroundings by galamsey activities.
“So I sat down and asked myself what can we do to curb this galamsey menace in our community? So as the first son of Okyehene Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, I taught it wise to take a bold step to distinguish myself as a concerned leader and to also send signals,” he stated.
He also expressed worry in the leadership of the country indicating that they have failed to enforce the laws vested in them to arrest and prosecute culprits engaged in illegal mining.
Osaberima Atta Appeakrong Agyei II who believes traditional authorities and other stakeholders have a huge task on the national issue denounced galamsey in Anyinasin.
He further declared a shoot-and-kill initiative to make the surrounding a no-go area for potential miners and those already engaged in the practice.
“Anyone who thinks he is a man and not bordered by the extent of how our water bodies and forest reserves have been destroyed should attempt with galamsey again in Anyinasin because this time around it’ll be shoot and kill,” he said on the Angel Morning Show.
