The Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council has unveiled plans to reclaim all lands damaged by mining activities, particularly those left with abandoned open pits, and return them to the stool.
During a durbar of chiefs and the Gyaase division in the Akyem Abuakwa State, the Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, expressed his concerns over the health risks posed by illegal mining and the numerous open pits left behind. He highlighted the council’s commitment to leading the reclamation efforts, ensuring that the affected lands are restored and returned to the community. The Okyenhene emphasized the critical need to protect both the environment and the health of the people.
He warned landowners who lease their lands to miners, stating that if the miners fail to restore the land after mining, they risk losing their rights to it permanently. “We will secure resources to reclaim these lands, and the traditional council will hold the interest in them. No one can challenge this decision.”
Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin further lamented the consequences of illegal mining, pointing out its severe impact on the health of future generations. “Today, some babies are born with deformities—without hands, eyes, or with other physical impairments—due to the toxic chemicals left in our waters and land.”
He criticized the practice of allowing outsiders to come and mine, destroy the land, and then return to their hometowns, while local landowners continue to lease their lands for illegal activities. “It’s unthinkable,” he said.