E/R:Okyenhene Denies Hiring Vigilante Group to Fight Galamsey

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The Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has dismissed claims that he has hired a vigilante group to combat illegal mining (galamsey) and restore the Birim River. Speaking at his palace in Kyebi, Eastern Region on Friday March 7th, 2025, he clarified that a dedicated task force, comprising chiefs, opinion leaders, mining experts, and relevant security agencies, has been established to tackle the issue and mitigate the devastating effects of galamsey in the region.

"Illegal mining is having devastating effects on our lands and water bodies in the Eastern Region. I have constituted a task force made up of chiefs, opinion leaders, people with proper mining knowledge, and relevant security agencies to ensure that excavators and other machines used to destroy our environment are removed and never return," Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin stated.

He emphasized that the Abuakwa Traditional Council will only permit individuals and businesses with proper documentation from the Minerals Commission to engage in mining, provided their operations are environmentally sustainable.

Barima Dr. Kwabena Awuah Parker, Chief of Sokode-Juaso and leader of the task force, highlighted that the initiative is a joint effort between Okyenman and Okuapeman to fight illegal mining and restore water bodies in the Eastern Region. He called on the government, corporate institutions, NGOs, and especially the youth, to support the task force in its mission to protect the environment for sustainable development.

In a significant display of unity, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, Okyenhene, and Oseadeyo Kwasi Akuffo, Okuapehene, have joined forces to eliminate illegal mining along the banks of the Birim River. Their collaboration seeks not only to restore the river and safeguard the environment but also to strengthen ties between the two traditional councils in the fight against environmental destruction.

Credit: Nana Kwasi Asare

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