President Mahama tours Central Region

President John Mahama has begun a two day tour of the Central Region.

Addressing a durbar of chiefs at Ayanfuri in the Upper Denkyira West municipality, he expressed worry over the devastating effects of illegal mining in the area.

He said it was obvious the nation’s lands and rivers were being lost at a rather high speed to irresponsible miners and other illegal activities.

President Mahama urged the chiefs and other local authorities to help check the menace saying he could not fight it alone from the Flagstaff house.

The president who arrived at Dunkwa-on-Offin by air said "the problem is big when you are up in the air."

He said if the situation continued there would not be much for posterity. He also urged the chiefs to resolve the many chieftaincy and land disputes in the area.

The President thanked the people for supporting him to win the 2012 election and said he would work to ensure that his electoral promises were fulfilled.

In response to a request from Nana Akyirie II, Chief of Denkyira Aboaso, President Mahama said the area would be provided with a modern hospital.

At Dunkwa-on-Offin, President Mahama said all galamseyers who were interested would be employed to cover the pits and reclaim destroyed lands. He said the solution to the illegal mining problem would not only be using the task force against illegal miners but initiating a livelihood programme to give the illegal miners alternative incomes to reduce impact on land resources.

He also pledged to ensure that the road network in the area is improved as a matter of urgency.

President Mahama also pledged that the delayed Dunkwa Water Project would be expedited.