The paramount chief of Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, has pointed accusing fingers at politicians for the widespread illegal mining in the Western Region.
According to him, many politicians secretly sponsor those involved in galamsey and use the proceeds for their electioneering campaign.
The chief, therefore, called for the arrest and prosecution of any politician found culpable in such nation-wrecking activities.
He was speaking at the opening session of the Western Regional House of Chiefs retreat at Benyin in the Jomoro District.
The programme was under the theme ‘The Role of Traditional Rulers in Local Development.’
He said: “Nobody is above the laws of the country. We must, therefore, be prepared to enforce the laws to the letter without fear or favour in our avowed aim to rid society of all undesirable characters.”
He also descended heavily on chiefs in the region for the arbitrary sale of parcels of land to illegal miners, which is leading to environmental degradation.
Furthermore, he accused mining giants operating in the country for allegedly buying gold ore from illegal miners, thus boosting the galamsey business.
The vice-president of the House, Nana Akwasi Agyemang IX, on his part, re-iterated their demand for 10% of the oil revenue.
He argued that although the region contributed a huge chunk of the country’s resources, it was yet to enjoy a fair share of the national cake.
When the Western Regional Minister, Paul Evans Aidoo, took his turn, he warned that any chief who gives out land for galamsey purposes will not be spared.
"We have authorised the security forces not to spare anyone who flouts the law. We know it is illegal to do galamsey yet some of our chiefs give out lands for that purpose and when people get arrested they come round to beg for their release.
“Let me serve notice here and now that that era of pardon is over. Let nobody come to my office to plead for anyone who is arrested over galamsey. We must all join forces to rid our nation of this canker,” he stressed.
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