Okyenhene Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin has warned landowners within the Akyem Abuakwa State, fuming that they risk losing their lands permanently if they lease them to illegal miners.
Speaking at a durbar of Chiefs and people of the Gyaase division as part of his 25th-anniversary celebrations, the Okyenhene revealed that all lands mined and abandoned with open pits will be reclaimed by the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council and reverted to the Stool for life.
"We have a decree at the State Council that, any landowner who releases his/her land to a miner stands the chance of losing it for life if the miners do not reclaim the land after mining.
“We shall look for resources and reclaim those lands and hold the interest in that land and nobody can do anything about it," he declared.
The Okyenhene expressed grave concern over the environmental and health dangers caused by illegal mining activities.
He noted that abandoned pits not only destroy lands but also expose local communities to toxic chemicals that lead to severe health problems, including deformities in newborns.
"Some babies are born without hands or eyes due to the toxic chemicals left in our water and soil.
“People come here, destroy our lands, and leave, while the landowners continue to release their properties for galamsey activities. This must stop" he stated.
He further reminded landowners that the Stool holds allodial title to all lands within the Akyem Abuakwa State further warning that any galamsey land will be seized.
The Okyenhene's message was part of a broader tour across the five divisions of Akyem Abuakwa as he marked his 25th year on the throne.
The grand durbar, set to take place on October 12, 2024, at Kyebi, will feature chiefs from across Akyem Abuakwa and the nation to celebrate his reign and showcase the culture and tradition of Okyeman.
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