Chief bans on mining at Asiakwa and its enclaves

The Nifahene of Okyeman under the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council in the Eastern Region, Daasebre Dr. Twum Ampofo II, has imposed a total ban on mining activities in Asiakwa and its surrounding areas.

His decision also comes with the issuance of a two-week ultimatum for miners to permanently evacuate their mining equipment and reclaim the lands destroyed by their activities.

Daasebre Ampofo II and his cabinet initially halted mining along river bodies about two months ago to align with directives from Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Ofori Panin, to stop mining along the Birim River and other water bodies in the Akyem Abuakwa enclave, including Asiakwa’s Supong River.

This initiative, led by the overlord of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council, aims to protect water bodies from pollution caused by illegal mining activities.

Speaking to journalists, the Okyeman Nifahene, who also serves as Asiakwahene, stated that illegal mining activities in the area bring no benefit to the community.

He explained that the miners’ methods were destructive, prompting the decision to prohibit their operations. He also emphasised the issuance of the two-week ultimatum for them to reclaim the land, ordered the removal of all machinery from the site, and warned them to vacate the area immediately.

Daasebre Twum Ampofo II further emphasized that the chemicals used in mining are highly toxic, significantly degrading soil quality and making it unsuitable for farming and other purposes for years to come.

“The government has issued some directives to revoke illegal licenses from the previous government, and I believe it is a good initiative,” he acknowledged the government’s efforts.

Asiakwahene admitted the economic impact of this directive on the community but stressed that he is restructuring mining activities in Asiakwa to ensure long-term benefits, especially for future generations.

“Therefore, the directive is to give individuals two weeks to depart the lands with their excavators before my next visit and line of action,” to told the media team.

He cautioned that if any excavators remained on the sites after the deadline, they would be set ablaze.

A visit to some mining sites to assess compliance with Daasebre Twum Ampofo’s strict directive by the media team showed that some miners had vacated the area, while others had begun land reclamation efforts.

However, some continued mining activities despite the warning.

Several miners, in interactions with the media entourage who visited the sites, commended the Asiakwahene, Daasebre Ampofo II, for his efforts to protect land, water bodies, and agricultural resources.

They pledged to complete the land reclamation within the given timeframe of the traditional authority and further appealed to him to reconsider the total ban, arguing that mining provides job opportunities for the youth within the catchment area and also helps prevent social vices.