Okyenhene Bans Galamsey

The Okyenehene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin II, has banned all galamsey (illegal mining) operations in Akyem Abuakwa with immediate effect. �In the interest of safety, protection of life and preservation of property in Akyem Abuakwa, it is hereby directed that all galamsey equipment will also be confiscated and those in active mining within the Kingdom are advised to leave forthwith�. A news release issued in Accra and signed by Barima Yentumi Boaman, Abodesahene and Chief of Staff of the Ofori Panin Palace in Kyebi, said �the incident is clearly manslaughter and complaint against the perpetrators has been lodged for their arrest and prosecution.� It said the tragic death of the siblings has again brought to the fore the serious threat posed to life by the unregulated activity of gold-digging gangs roaming the country and forcing their will, often at gunpoint, on host communities. �Several calls have gone to government, the Minerals Commission and the security agencies to come to the aid of communities, and preparations are afoot to respond appropriately to the intolerable level of irresponsible conduct being displayed by the pillaging bandits�. It said �at last, like an oracle waiting for a witness, the tragedy long talked about, warned-about and anticipated occurred at Kyebi. Unlike the hoax of a coming earthquake in Accra recently, which caught the attention and imagination, let alone fears of millions of sleepy-eyed residents, the constant call about the real, present and threatening danger from galamsey activities passes everyday with little or no action. On Sunday, February 28, tragedy struck when two teenage brothers, on their way home from farm, lost their lives as they struggled on slippery slopes and fell into a deep trench left behind by reckless gold diggers.