Okoamankra Kwamena Akwonu X, the Paramount Chief of the Enyan Abaasa Traditional area and Vice President of the Central Regional House of Chiefs, has called for the restoration of the chief's "power of summons" to combat the rampant illegal mining, commonly known as "Galamsey," affecting their communities and the country at large.

The Paramount Chief argued that in ancient times, when chiefs had the authority to summon individuals and hold them accountable, issues of illegal mining were less prevalent.

He lamented that the removal of these powers has contributed to the current widespread problem.

Addressing the gathering at the Enyan Abaasa 2024 annual Akwambo Festival durbar, which was attended by prominent government officials including the Minority Leader of Parliament, the DCE for Ajumako Enyan Essiam District, and various parliamentary candidates, he asserted that restoring the chiefs' powers would significantly impact the fight against Galamsey.

He highlighted the severe contamination of water bodies and land due to illegal mining, emphasizing that the issue could be resolved swiftly if the chiefs' authority were reinstated.

The Chief stressed that only the chiefs have the influence to effectively tackle Galamsey, and thus their powers should be restored. He also advised the Electoral Commission to conduct elections in a free, fair, and transparent manner to prevent chaos.

Additionally, he urged the public to avoid violence before, during, and after the elections and encouraged the youth of Enyan Abaasa to vote peacefully.

Furthermore, the Chief noted that the local technical school in Enyan Abaasa is in need of dormitories and other essential facilities to improve teaching and learning conditions.

In response, the Minority Leader of Parliament, Hon. Casseal Ato Forson, who is also the Member of Parliament for the Ajumako Enyan Essiam Constituency, criticized the government for its failure to address the issue.

He accused the government, led by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, of not holding accountable those involved in illegal mining, including some members of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Hon. Forson contended that the NPP government has failed to tackle the Galamsey menace effectively and suggested that the involvement of party members in illegal mining has hindered the government's efforts.

In contrast, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Ajumako Enyan Essiam, Hon. Emmanuel Ransford Kwesi Nyarkoh, defended the government, stating that it is making all possible efforts to address the issue.

He urged chiefs to confront and hold accountable any of their peers who are contributing to the Galamsey problem in their regions.

KA

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