Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council warns landowners of permanent land loss for enabling illegal mining

Landowners within the Akyem Abuakwa State face the risk of permanent land loss if they decide to release their lands to illegal miners. This stern warning was issued by the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council, emphasizing the reclaiming of mined lands with open pits and returning them to the stool. During a gathering of Chiefs and residents of the Gyaase division, as part of the Okyenhene’s 25th-anniversary celebration on the Ofori Panin Stool, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin expressed deep concern over the health hazards posed by illegal mining activities and abandoned open pits.

The Okyenhene highlighted the council’s decision to reclaim all abandoned mines and reassured that such lands would be held indefinitely. “We have a decree at the State Council that, any land owner who releases his/her land to a miner stand 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,” the Okyenhene said.

The devastating effects of illegal mining were mentioned by the Okyenhene, pointing out the emergence of newborns with severe deformities attributed to the toxic chemicals contaminating the water and soil. The urgency to address these issues was heard in his words, urging landowners to prioritize the long-term sustainability of their lands over short-term gains.”Our arrangement is that all natives can cultivate as many bare lands as they wish and keep the land for themselves and theirs. However, if the state requires land for development, that land can be taken over and compensation paid to the owner. Nobody can resist development in this area,” he stressed

As part of his anniversary celebrations, the Okyenhene embarked on a tour across the five divisions within the Akyem Abuakwa State, reconnecting with his subjects and reinforcing his commitment to their welfare. This gesture of unity hits on the upcoming Grand Durbar scheduled for October 12, 2024, where chiefs from Akyem Abuakwa and beyond will gather to honor and celebrate the legacy of the Okyenhene.