Katakyie Kwasi Bumagama II, the paramount chief of Sefwi Wiawso traditional area and a board member of the Forestry Commission, has complained that traditional authorities are constrained in their efforts to protect the country’s forest reserves.
The Chief, who recently banned all small-scale mining activities in his jurisdiction, spoke at the opening ceremony of the Administration of Stool Lands’ Western North regional office in Sefwi Wiawso.
“We want the Deputy Minister to know that we have been rendered toothless in our efforts to preserve our land.”
“Even when you summon people involved in illegal mining to the location, they refuse to appear.” Others have challenged you to go to court,” Katakyie Kwasi Bumagama II stated.
“We want the government to restore the authority we once had over lands.” That way, we’ll be able to deal with the threat quickly,” the chief added.
Because of their authority over lands vested in them, chiefs have been cited as critical in the fight against illegal mining.
However, they have been chastised for being complicit in illegal mining.
The Asantehene, for example, stated that chiefs cannot absolve themselves of responsibility for the environmental destruction caused by illegal miners.
Also read: Chiefs are contributing to the galamsey problem – Asantehene
President Akufo-Addo met with the National House of Chiefs to seek their support in the fight against illegal mining as part of the recent renewed focus on the issue.
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