'Stay away from Volta Region' — Togbe Afede warns Illegal miners

The Agbogbomefia of Asogli, Togbe Afede XIV, has issued a strong warning against any attempt to introduce illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, into the Volta Region.

He said traditional authorities and residents would not tolerate activities that threaten the region’s environment and natural resources for private gain.

“We will not allow galamsey in the Volta Region,” Togbe Afede stated, adding that individuals or groups who attempted to engage in such activities would face swift consequences.

He made the remarks at the Volta Economic Forum held in Ho on Wednesday on the theme, “From Opportunity Showcase to Investment Execution."

The forum brought together entrepreneurs, traditional leaders, students, corporate representatives, public servants and other stakeholders to discuss ways of transforming the region’s economic potential into tangible investments.

Togbe Afede said the Volta Region had the human capacity and technical expertise required to responsibly develop its natural resources and create jobs and wealth for its people.

He cited the region’s deposits of lithium and iron ore as examples of resources that could drive significant economic growth if developed through appropriate investments and strategic partnerships.

According to him, the development of such resources must be properly coordinated and protected from illegal mining and undue political interference to ensure that the benefits are maximised.

The Agbogbomefia also commended the government’s Big Push road infrastructure programme, saying improved road networks could open up significant development opportunities across the country.

He urged residents of the Volta Region to strengthen their commitment to patriotism and reject corruption, while promoting honesty, selflessness, perseverance and unity.

Chief of Staff calls for collaboration

The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, whose speech was read at the forum, said the Volta Region needed strong partnerships and discipline to convert its natural resources and other economic opportunities into jobs and sustainable incomes.

“The opportunity is before us, the responsibility is ours, and the time for execution is now,” he said.

Mr Debrah called for closer collaboration among government, the private sector, traditional authorities, local communities, financial institutions, development partners and investors.

He said government’s responsibility was to create an enabling environment, while the private sector could provide capital, technology, innovation and entrepreneurial expertise.

He also stressed the need to create opportunities for young people and local businesses through skills development, employment and entrepreneurship.

Mr Debrah said every investment opportunity identified should have a clear path towards financing, implementation and measurable outcomes.

“Let us, therefore, move from ideas to projects, projects to investments, investments to businesses and businesses to jobs and sustainable development,” he said.

Volta positioned for investment
The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, said the region had significant prospects for investment in agro-processing, tourism and hospitality, manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, cross-border trade and fisheries.

He said maintaining peace and unity was essential to unlocking the region’s economic potential.

Mr Gunu noted that the region had the land, human resources and natural resources needed to attract investors and develop mutually beneficial partnerships.

“Opportunities must meet vision and appropriate partnerships,” he stated.