In a remarkable show of unity and determination against corruption and the environmental havoc wreaked by illegal mining, Mirigu Naba, the Overlord of the Mirigu Traditional Area and Vice President of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs, recently graced the Asogli State Yam Festival in Ho, at the invitation of Agbogbomefia Togbe Afede XIV.

This auspicious event marked a dual celebration, as it coincided with Togbe Afede's 20th Anniversary as the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State in the Volta Region.

Addressing the media in the sidelines during this vibrant festival held at the Jubilee House in Ho, Naba Anthony Anonsoena Abisa-Atasige III expressed his unwavering support for Togbe Afede's crusade against corruption and the perilous scourge of galamsey (illegal mining) that continues to plague Ghana.

With profound conviction, Naba Abisa-Atasige III echoed Togbe Afede's concerns about these issues, acknowledging their debilitating impact on the nation.

He said corruption and recklessness has been the reason for Ghana’s underdevelopment and the illegal mining on the other hands has brought this country to its knees environmentally.

Naba Abisa-Atasige III, who serves as a police officer in addition to his traditional leadership role, shared his deep-seated apprehension about the abundant gold and clay resources within his own traditional area.

Unscrupulous miners have attempted to exploit these resources, but he has steadfastly resisted these activities. His rationale is straightforward:

the consequences of galamsey activities are not confined to environmental degradation but also extend to trapping local communities in abject poverty while rendering their land barren.

The Upper East Regional Vice President underscored the importance of traditional rulers' roles as custodians of the land, emphasizing that they must prioritize the well-being of their people before permitting galamsey activities in their respective traditional areas.

He further lamented the proliferation of sand winning in his region, which has led to severe erosion in river bodies and the ruin of farmlands.

Among the distinguished leaders present at this event were the Paramount Chief of Sakote Traditional Area, Naba Sigri Bewong who is the former Upper East Regional President of the House of Chiefs, Dormahene Osagyefuo Agyeman Badu, and the Tepahene Nana Adusei Ampem, who represented the Asantehene, Otumfuor Osei Tutu II, among many others.

Naba Abisa-Atasige III emphasized that his presence at this festival symbolizes the blossoming bilateral relationship between the Mirigu Traditional Area in the Upper East Region and the Asogli State of the Volta Region, an endeavor jointly championed by Togbe Afede and himself.

He proclaimed, "We shall continue to engage with our brothers and sisters of the Volta Region for peaceful coexistence, and I wish my brother Togbe Afede the best in his 20th-anniversary celebration and the Yam Festival”.

Mirigu Naba's presence at the Asogli State Yam Festival not only highlighted the importance of celebrating cultural traditions but also underscored the need for unity in addressing critical issues affecting the nation.

His alignment with Togbe Afede's stance against corruption and galamsey is a powerful testament to the significance of traditional leaders' roles in safeguarding their communities and preserving Ghana's natural resources for future generations.

Mirigu Naba was accompanied with chiefs and distinguished opinion leaders of the Mirigu Traditional Area.