The Okyehene Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin has said that he regrets that the effects of illegal mining operations commonly known as galamsey which he has consistently spoken against, are now beginning to stare communities in which such activities take place in the face.
Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin says many people misconstrued his environmental campaign to mean a move to deprive them of their livelihood.
Five people have been killed and over 3,000 people are said to have been displaced by floods caused by the Birim River overflowing its banks; It is said to be the worst ever to have hit the region in over 40 years and the magnitude of the disaster prompted President Mills to visit the area this week.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Asempa News about the flooding, the Okyehene lamented the inability of the country’s law enforcement agencies to deal with perpetrators of the act, as well as enforcing punitive measures which he said are not enough deterrent to the perpetrators.
Meanwhile Osaygefo Amoatia Ofori Panin has disclosed that he plans to meet President Mills to discuss lasting solutions to illegal mining activities and chain saw operators who are equally destroying the environment.
Story: Jerry Tsatro Mordy/Asempa News/Ghana
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