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Chiefs are involved in galamsey - BNI report
At Adieworsu, Jumako, Abura, Tontu and Mempeasem, some chiefs and their elders are said to be at the forefront of galamsey
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The BNI, in a 31-page report, named scores of chiefs, individuals and organisations from eight regions of the country as allegedly engaged in galamsey activities.
The BNI said the Birim River that serves several communities in the Eastern Region is under serious threat, due to galamsey in the area.
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The report said there is a perception among residents of Kibi that Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin II is behind illegal mining activities in the area.
"It is further alleged that, the Okyenhene has constituted a taskforce, as part of its environmental foundation, who allegedly extort monies from illegal miners in the area."
In the Ahanta West district, prominent chiefs in several towns and villages were found to be behind galamsey activities there.
Chief executives of some institutions in the Western Region were also accused of involvement in the business, having been involved in alluvial and illegal surface mining at Twifo Praso, Beposo, Sekyere-Krobo, Sekyere-Didiso, Basase and Sekyere-Nsuta.
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At Adieworsu, Jumako, Abura, Tontu and Mempeasem, some chiefs and their elders are said to be at the forefront of galamsey.
"Open pit galamsey activities are widespread in these areas," the report added.
Chief of Bokorkope, Nana Issah Muni is alleged to be involved in illegal mining activities in the Shama district in the Western region.
Prominent chiefs, including the Kwapiahene in the Ashanti Region were found to be behind galamsey activities there too.
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The administration President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has announced a crackdown on galamsey following the pollution of the nation’s river bodies as well as cocoa farms.
Last month, the Land and Natural Resources Ministry announced a freeze on mining and on issuing of mining license.
READ MORE: BNI report names top galamsey kingpins
"The directives given to illegal miners to stop mining activities within three weeks by John Peter Amewu, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, received mixed reactions from illegal miners, residents of communities affected by activities of miners and the public," the report said.
The BNI report cited claims by some youth in the Brong-Ahafo Region that government’s directive is not a sustainable measure in combating the menace.
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In addition, it said efforts to end the practice have also received widespread commendation.
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