The Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, and the Okuapemhene, Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, have established a special task force to combat illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, in the Eastern Region.
As part of this initiative, illegal miners have been warned to halt operations immediately to prevent further environmental destruction.
Kyebi Akwadumhene, Barima Pobi Asomaning, confirmed this in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, highlighting the devastating impact of galamsey on water bodies and farmlands.
He revealed that the task force, named Operation Restore The Birim, has been tasked with protecting water bodies and preventing illegal miners from further degrading mining sites.
“The Okyenhene has ordered the immediate closure of all galamsey pits in the area and has charged landowners to convert at least two to three acres of land into palm plantations,” he stated.
To support the initiative, the Okyenhene has pledged GH₵20,000 to assist affected landowners in transitioning to sustainable farming.