The Nifahene of Okyeman of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council in the Eastern Region, Daasebre Dr. Twum Ampofo II has finally placed a total ban on mining activities in Asiakwa and its enclave.
Initially, about two months ago, he and his cabinet halted mining along the river bodies. This move aligned with Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Ofori Panin’s directives to stop mining along the Birim River and other Rivers in the Akyem Abuakwa enclave including the Asiakwa’s Supong River.
This initiative by the overlord of Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council aimed to protect the water bodies from pollution caused by illegal mining activities.
The Okyeman Nifahene, who serves as Asiakwahene, mentioned that they have realized that the mining activities in the area would not help them in any way.
Explaining that their methodology of operations is appalling, hence prohibiting them from mining and giving them “a two-week ultimatum” to reclaim the lands, instructing them to remove all their machines from the site and “vanish from the area”.
Daasebre Twum Ampofo further added that the chemicals they use for mining are poisonous and it will take the land a very long time to regain its nutrients for other purposes, especially for farming activities.
Asiakwahene then said he knew the economic impact this directive would have on his community, indicating that he is resetting mining activities in Asiakwa to benefit all and sundry, especially the unborn generation.
Nyansapo News Agency (NNA) reporter, Kontihen Kofi Oboh on Thursday, March 20, 2025, visited some of the mining sites to assess whether mining activities had stopped despite Daasebre Twum Ampofo’s stern warning.
To the surprise of the media team, some miners had vacated the site while others had reclaimed portions of the land. However, some were still engaged in the mining activities.
Some of the miners commended Asiakwahene for the measures taken to protect lands, water bodies, and farm produce in the community.
They assured him of their commitment to reclaim the lands before the end of the time frame given.
They appealed to him to reconsider his decision to totally ban mining activities in the area, emphasizing they also create job opportunities for the youth, helping to prevent social vices.
About The Author
