Regional Ghana traditional ruler calls for action on illegal mining and logging

A regional Ghanaian leader, Nana Kofi Yeboah II, Chief of Jedua Kesse, western Ghana, has asserted that cocoa communities have powers to curtail illegal activities contributing towards deforestation, reports Sam Poku.

The ruler of the Wassa Amenfi Central Constituency, has spoken out on the key environmental topic, amid a backdrop of ongoing unlicensed mining and logging operations, which needs to be addressed as a priority.

He has called on the government to de decentralise full power to them in matters of community development.

Speaking on Ghana’s most-watched weekly agricultural television program, MY Cocoa Business, Nana stated that mining companies infiltrate their communities under the pretext that concessions have been granted to them by the government of Ghana through the Minerals Authority.

This complicates the efforts of traditional leaders to rein in these enterprises, even when they infringe upon the vital preservation of the land.

“We chiefs have essential role to play and curb illegal because, whenever we call the community, they respond. We can stop illegal activities with our people only if they government collaborate with us and give us a total authority,” stated Nana Kofi Yeboah Il.

The tribal leader asserted that there was an awareness surrounding allegations concerning assertions some political officials are believed to be engaged in negotiations with some of the companies looking to exploit mining opportunities – which as previously reported, Ghana’s government has previously put forward awareness campaigns to communities on, warning them not to engage with illegal mining operations.

As the leader added, this situation renders it exceedingly difficult to achieve a satisfactory resolution after lodging complaints with the government regarding the illegal activities of these enterprises.

According to Nana, prior to the enactment of the Constitution, mining operations existed; however, because Chiefs held absolute dominion over the lands, they ensured that cocoa farms were not ravaged and that companies adhered to proper mining practices.

Nana Kofi Yeboah II has implored the government of Ghana to amend the Constitution and confer total authority to the Chiefs for the management of their communities, to effectively halt illegal activities and promote reforestation.