Despite the government’s efforts to combat illegal mining, also known as Galamsey, this destructive activity continues to persist in the Pakyi communities of the Amansie West Constituency in the Ashanti Region. As a result, forest reserves are being decimated, cocoa farms are being destroyed, and water bodies are becoming heavily polluted.
During a recent visit to the Pakyi Kobri forest, it was evident that Galamseyers were actively engaging in illegal mining operations using excavators and other equipment. Shockingly, approximately half of the Kobri forest reserve and three acres of cocoa farms have already been demolished by these illegal miners.
Nana Kofi Amoakohene, the Pakyi Nkosuohene, expressed his concern about the escalating issue of illegal mining in the Amansie West Constituency. He emphasized the importance of combating this menace, as directed by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
Nana Kofi Amoakohene placed the blame on the Chief of Pakyi (Pakyihene) Nana Owusu Opoku I, for allowing Galamseyers to ravage farmlands and water bodies, despite the lack of development in the area. He even alleged that the Pakyihene himself is involved in this illegal activity, driven by his own selfish interests.
“Two weeks after Asantehene bared Galamsey activities in Ashanti Region, Pakyihene sent his Gyaasehene and Akyeamehene to the Kobri forest to make sacrifices for the commencement of illegal mining. As you’ve all witnessed today, Galamseyers in the Kobri forest have destroyed almost half of the reserve plus some cocoa farms. But we’ve stopped them. I and my boys have sacrificed ourselves and are determined to fight against the menace, as Asantehene has said.”
The Pakyi Nkosuohene, however, has made a plea to the Asantehene and the government to take action and bring the miners and Pakyihene under control in order to protect the community.
Several other residents who spoke to Oyerepa News also expressed their concerns, stating that despite the government’s efforts to put an end to illegal mining, Galamsey activities continue to persist.
These residents said it is of utmost importance for the Asantehene and government to urgently intervene and address this issue.
Source: Oyerepafmonline.com
