Wenchi: Osagyefo Ampem Anye Amoampong Tabrako III, the Paramount Chief of the Wenchi Traditional Area in the Bono Region, has cautioned divisional chiefs and queens against the temptation of aiding illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
According to Ghana News Agency, he emphasized that any divisional chief or queen who failed to report illegal mining activities in their communities or engaged in such environmental criminality would face dethronement. This stern warning was issued during a meeting of the Wenchi Traditional Council at Wenchi, where Osagyefo Tabrako III urged the divisional chiefs to prioritize the development of their respective communities.
The council has received information regarding ongoing gold exploration and prospecting in the area, conducted without its consent. Osagyefo Tabrako III urged the Minerals Commission to engage with the council before licensing companies for gold exploration and prospecting, and to regulate their activities effectively.
The Paramount Chief also warned against actions that could sabotage development, calling for collaboration with stakeholders to facilitate progress within the Wenchi Municipality. He emphasized the importance of peace and unity as prerequisites for development and advised chiefs to avoid divisive tendencies that could hinder community growth.
Highlighting the developmental challenges faced by Wenchi, Osagyefo Tabrako III encouraged community members to pool resources and initiate self-driven development projects to attract support from the government and non-governmental organizations. He expressed concern that despite the presence of several quarry companies operating on Wenchi stool lands, the communities have not benefited from their operations.
Osagyefo Tabrako III lamented the direct consequences of quarry activities, such as noise and vibrations, on the communities, without any corresponding benefits. He called on these companies to prioritize and support local community development.