Galamsey: Chief urges extension of 3-week ultimatum

The government of Ghana must ensure that galamseyers undertake land reclamation activities before exiting areas they have used for their illegal mining operations, Nana Sekyi Ababio II, Chief of Nweneso No.2, in the Atwima Kwanwoma district of the Ashanti Region, has urged.

Nana Ababio II told ClassFMOnline.com on Tuesday, April 4 that he was pleading with authorities to give the illegal miners adequate time to reclaim some of the lands “because if you come to my area, there are several pits which are uncovered which [if left] can create a lot of problems for us”.

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has given galamseyers a three-week ultimatum to cease their operations and exit from areas being used for galamsey activities.

However, Nana Ababio argues that some of the culprits have started moving their machines from the mining sites without ensuring that the mining pits have been sealed to prevent tragedies.

He indicated that he does “not have any involvement in the activities of galamseyers but I believe that an extension should be given and the culprits made to cover all the pits before they leave”.