The Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council has announced that lands mined and abandoned with open pits will be reclaimed and returned to the stool.
Speaking at a durbar of chiefs and residents of the Gyaase Division in the Akyem Abuakwa State, as part of activities marking his 25th anniversary on the Ofori Panin Stool, Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin highlighted the ongoing dangers posed by illegal mining. He emphasized that the numerous abandoned mining pits continue to present significant health risks to citizens.
Okyenhene declared that all abandoned mines will be reclaimed by the traditional council, stating, “We have a decree at the State Council that any landowner who releases their 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, reclaim those lands, and hold the interest in that land, and nobody can do anything about it.”
He further expressed concern over the environmental and health consequences caused by illegal mining activities, warning of the long-term damage to the community.
“Today, some babies are born with deformities—some without hands, eyes, and all forms of abnormalities due to the toxic chemicals left in our waters and lands. People come here to mine, destroy our lands, and leave for their hometowns to enjoy, while you, as landowners, continue to release your land to illegal miners? It’s unthinkable,” the Okyenhene said.
He also issued a warning to those refusing to release land for developmental projects, reminding them that the stool holds the allodial title to all lands within the Akyem Abuakwa State.
“Our arrangement is that all natives can cultivate as much bare land as they wish and keep it for themselves and their families. 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.”
Okyenhene is currently touring the five divisions within Akyem Abuakwa as part of his 25th-anniversary celebration, visiting the Adonten division in Kukurantumi, the Benkum division in Begoro, the Nifa division in Asiakwa, the Oseawuo division in Wenchi, and the Gyaase division in Kwaben.
The grand durbar commemorating Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin’s anniversary is scheduled for October 12, 2024, in Kyebi, the Akyem Abuakwa State capital, and will feature chiefs from across Akyem Abuakwa and the country. The day will celebrate and showcase Okyeman’s rich culture and traditions.