Osabarima Atta Apeakorang Agyei II, the Chief of Akyem Anyinasin in the Eastern Region of Ghana, along with his brother Mr. Kwadwo Atta Apeakorang, President and Founder of the Save The Nation for Future Leaders NGO, has taken a decisive stance against illegal mining, known locally as galamsey.

The duo has led efforts to flush out illegal miners from their community and ordered the destruction of their excavators.

This bold action sets a precedent for other traditional leaders and communities battling the environmental devastation caused by illegal mining.

The incident happened on Sunday, September 1, 2024, as a result of information received concerning unauthorized mining on the chief’s property.

Osabarima Apeakorang II moved quickly to mobilize the locals and guided them to the miners’ position.

The group sent a strong statement against illegal mining operations by driving the miners away and demolishing their excavators in a show of solidarity.

Speaking about the incident, Osabarima Atta Apeakorang declared that he would not allow such unlawful acts to take place on his territory and stated his strong opposition to galamsey. He threatened severe penalties to anyone who tried to practice galamsey.

“The nation’s president, Nana Akufo-Addo, along with traditional leaders such as Okyenhene, who is well-known for his environmental campaigning, and Asantehene, who opposes galamsey, have united against this threat. Osabarima Atta Apeakorang remarked, “I share the same opinion and will never allow such impunity on my territory.

“By taking this action, we hope to discourage others from considering engaging in activities that harm our environment.”

He went on to say that galamsey operators would face dire consequences if they invaded his

territory in the future.

“It will be shoot and kill the next time someone invades my land with galamsey.” Agyei Osabarima Atta Apeakorang issued a warning.

Galamsey is a long-standing issue in Ghana that has severely damaged the environment, including deforestation, water pollution, and the loss of agricultural land. For this reason, the chief’s activities are especially noteworthy.

Community-led initiatives like those of Osabarima Atta Apeakorang are crucial in battling the epidemic because resistance to official efforts to prevent galamsey has frequently been encountered.

His brave action is in line with the growing need on traditional authorities to take a more proactive approach to defending their territories against illicit mining and preserving the ecosystem for coming generations.

Residents, who consider the chief’s rigorous attitude as a crucial step in reestablishing order and environmental purity in the area, have commended it.

A strong example is offered by Osabarima Atta Apeakorang’s leadership in the fight against galamsey, which emphasizes the significance of local action in the larger fight against illicit mining in Ghana.

BY: APPIANIMAA MERCY