Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, the Okyenhene has debunked claims that sections of the Kyebi palace are being used in galamsey operations.

In an interview with TV3, the Akyem Abuakwa chief said, "People are saying the palace is being dug, go round it and see.

If I wanted to do mining, I will take my land, I don’t have to ask anybody, go to the minerals commission and secure proper license to do proper mining.

Why would I turn around and steal my land to engage in such dirt?” The Okyenhene has come under heavy criticism for being nonchalant as galamsey operators destroy the lands in the Akyem area in the Eastern Region.

He has also been accused of conniving with the leading operators of the galamsey activities, to allow for their illegal mining activities to thrive in the area. However, the Akyem chief has rubbished these accusations.

He has further urged all other chiefs in the Eastern Region to end their partnerships with galamsey operators including the foreign nationals who have flooded the area to join the illegal mining operation.

The Okyenhene was emphatic about the need to preserve the country's natural resources for the future generations, also expressed optimism that the anti-galamsey fight will yield positive results.

"Those who raise the question that what would they do when they don’t do galamsey, what were they doing before? We need to make sure that we can plant trees or something more profitable.

Short gain profits are destroying the future of our country," he added.

Meanwhile, the deadline for ultimatum given by government for the illegal mining operators to end their activities or face seizure of their equipment ends on Wednesday, April 19.