The Akyempimhene of Akyem Abomosu, Nana Baffour Ayim, has appealed to the government to grant traditional authorities the mandate to oversee mining operations in their communities in order to curb the reckless practices of some miners.

Speaking to Accra FM/CTV reporter Apelete Kofi-Michel, the chief lamented that irresponsible mining activities have destroyed water bodies, left abandoned pits, and claimed the lives of innocent people.

He argued that excluding traditional leaders from the management of mining concessions has worsened the problem.

“Mining with impunity has become the order of the day because chiefs have no role to play in the activities that take place in our localities.

This is a big setback to ensuring responsible mining,” Nana Baffour Ayim stated.

He explained that most of the operators responsible for the devastation are non-indigenes who secure concessions to mine in the area. According to him, if chiefs are given oversight authority, they would enforce measures to ensure compliance, protect the environment, and safeguard lives.

The Akyempimhene emphasised that traditional leaders support President Mahama’s ongoing fight against illegal mining, but stressed the need for the government to delegate some regulatory responsibilities to chiefs at the local level.

“If we are empowered, we can hold miners accountable and ensure they do the right thing to save lives, protect water bodies, and preserve the environment,” he added.

Nana Baffour Ayim also used the occasion to reflect on the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of senior government officials, including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, while en route to Obuasi. He suggested that illegal mining activities contributed to the fatal incident, reiterating the need for chiefs to play a direct role in regulating mining in their communities.