Dr Barimah Awuah Parker is the Chief of Akyem Sokode-Juaso in the Eastern Region
Dr Barimah Kwabena Awuah Parker, Chief of Akyem Sokode-Juaso in the Eastern Region, has intensified efforts to promote responsible mining practices through a community-driven campaign aimed at protecting Ghana’s environment while safeguarding livelihoods.
The initiative, spearheaded by the chief who is also actively engaged in mining and gold trading comes at a time of heightened concern over the destruction of rivers and water bodies caused by illegal and irresponsible mining activities across the country.
As part of the outreach, educational workshops were organized in Atobrea Krom, Abom Mentukwa and Antoa Krom in the Amansie West District of the Ashanti Region.
A total of 238 miners participated in the Ashanti Regional engagements, where discussions focused on sustainable mining methods, environmental protection, and community responsibility.
The campaign brought together a strong front of traditional leadership, including Nana Kofi Asamoah of Pakyi No. 2; Nana Okyere Darko Ampem, Chief of Antoa Krom; and Nana Oteng Mensah Ababio, Chief of Abom Mentukwa.
Their collective presence underscored the growing involvement of chiefs in tackling environmental degradation at the grassroots level.
Speaking to Ghanaweb journalist Eric Obeng Boateng on the sidelines of the workshops, Dr Barimah Kwabena Awuah Parker revealed that insights gathered from the engagements would help shape and support the operations of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod).
He commended the government for steps taken toward establishing the Board and personally pledged his commitment to ensuring its success.
“Our water bodies are our life,” he stressed, emphasizing that mining must strike a balance between economic benefit and environmental sustainability.
Over the past year, Dr Barimah Kwabena Awuah Parker has also led the Okyeman Environmental Brigade in a series of anti-galamsey operations dubbed “Operation Restore Birim River.”
The initiative, sanctioned by Okyenhene Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has reportedly led to significant improvements in the state of the Birim River within the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area.
The latest engagement signals a renewed commitment by traditional authorities to champion responsible mining practices recognizing that the fight to preserve Ghana’s natural resources must begin within the communities most directly affected.
