Baffour Nyantakyi Tutu II, Krontihene of New Juaben Traditional Council in the Eastern Region, has appealed to the electorate not to vote for politicians who are encouraging people to engage in illegal mining, popularly called ‘galamsey.’

“I don’t belong to a political party, and I will urge everyone to say a big no to any politician who preaches and encourages ‘galamsey,” he stated.

The New Juaben Krontihene made the statement at the Regional Festival of Art and Culture (REFAC) 2018 held at the Jubilee Park in Koforidua last Friday.

He also advised other traditional leaders not to sell their lands to illegal miners, especially the foreigners and urged them to support the government to fight the menace.

Baffour Nyantakyi Tutu II said the government’s ban on small-scale mining was a step in the right direction to sanitize the mining sector.

The Eastern Regional Minister, Eric Kwakye Darfour, in his speech, said the excessive exploitation of the natural resources in the region has become a major problem.

“Unfortunately for some time now, the natural resources in the region have been exploited in an unbridled, unregulated and irresponsible manner which has put the region on the path of serious environmental degradation. Let us all join hands and support the president in the fight against ‘galamsey,” he said.

Mr Darfour, who expressed worry about illegal mining, said many people have sold their lands to foreigners to engage in ‘galamsey’ to destroy natural vegetation and pollute water bodies.

“We are now forced to drink bottled mineral water rather than our natural water bodies which have been polluted because of ‘galamsey,” he added.

“There is infiltration of foreign cultural practices. The adaptation of same can affect us, and it’s important that we uphold our rich culture, which has been handed down to us through our ancestors and take cognizance of its vitality and values.”

He urged the public to support President Akufo-Addo in the fight against illegal mining in Ghana.