Changfan machines must be off Birim River immediately - Chiefs, clerics warn illegal miners
The Chiefs and Islamic clerics in the Fanteakwa District in the Eastern Region have issued a stern warning to illegal miners (galamseyers), particularly those mining in the Birim River, to immediately remove their changfan machines and vacate the area peacefully.
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The directive also applies to those mining illegally in the forest reserves and along highways, stating that severe consequences awaited non-compliant individuals.
At a durbar in Osino last Friday, the traditional leaders and Islamic clerics pledged to spearhead the fight against illegal mining and ensure the arrest and prosecution of offenders.
Organised by the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM), the event focused on promoting sustainable mining practices on the theme: “Sustainable Small-Scale Mining for National Development”. It brought together key stakeholders such as religious leaders, government officials and licensed small-scale miners.
Led by Osabarima Okogyeaman Apagya V, Chief of Apapam, the traditional authorities and the Islamic clerics assured the people of partnering the military and GNASSM task force and monitoring units deployed by the government to clamp down on illegal miners.
He urged the people to desist from politicising the galamsey menace, noting that the fight against illegal mining was a collective responsibility.
Vulnerable district
The Fanteakwa South District, carved out of the Fanteakwa District in 2018, is particularly vulnerable to the effects of galamsey. With Osino as its capital, the district covers 803 square kilometres and shares boundaries with Fanteakwa North District, Kwahu South District, East Akim Municipal, and Atiwa East District. The district has a population of 58,987, according to the 2021 Population and Housing Census.
Devastating impact
The chiefs and Islamic clerics, said the effects of galamsey extended beyond environmental degradation, stressing that it undermined local customs and lifestyles.
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“We can’t stop mining, but it must be done responsibly and sustainably. Rivers and forest reserves are red zones; get licensed and train to mine responsibly.
“Anytime there are issues about mining, the chiefs are blamed. This time around, we the chiefs have resolved to assist the government to clamp down on galamseyers.
So, all those with changfans mining in rivers, particularly in the Birim River, if you don’t want to incur our wrath, remove the changfans and go home peacefully,” Osabarima Okogyeaman Apagya V urged.
A united front
Alhaji Abdul Rahman, Chief Imam of Nsutam, urged the licensed miners to unite against galamseyers and reclaim mined lands, to protect the environment and drinking water sources.
“Let us make the reclamation of the mined lands a priority. We must strive to safeguard our own environment. To those mining in the Birim River, please go peacefully because we are coming after you”, he said.
Support
The District Chief Executive of Fanteakwa South, Ernest Ofosu, called for equity in the fight against illegal mining, encouraging communities in the district to volunteer information to government officials as such information played a critical role in the fight against illegal mining.
The General Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners, Godwin Armah, charged members of the association to prioritise responsible mining because there was life after mining.
He cautioned all sponsors benefiting from illegal mining to bring their activities to an end or face their wrath in the coming days.
Discussants pledged their full support to the fight against illegal mining.