The Paramount Chief of the Talensi Traditional Area, Tongo-Rana Kugbilsong Nanlebetang has ordered for the suspension of all mining activities in the Talensi Traditional Area, with immediate effect.
Tongo-Rana Kugbilsong Nanlebetang announced the suspension of all mining activities in his Traditional Area at a Press Conference at Tongo, following the precarious nature that mining in the Area has become.
He has called for an effective collaboration between the Mineral Commission and Ministry for Lands and Natural Resources, to suspend all Licensed Holders and all mining activities in the Traditional Area with immediate effect.
There have been reports of accidents resulting to the death of several young men as a result of mining. The causes of these accidents are mainly as a result of collapsed pits and explosive toxins.
Meanwhile, the Talensi Traditional Council has given a word of caution and advice to all Chiefs and Tindaanas within the Area, that all lease of land for any activity should be approved by the Traditional Council as stipulated in the Stool/ Skin Land Act of the 1992 Commission in Article 267 (2).
“Galamsey is illegal mining in Ghana. Most of the mines at the various mining areas in Talensi including the “Galamsey” Operators are known to the Minerals Commission. The Minerals Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency have not been able to effectively play their roles as Licensing and Policing Agencies to collectively to curb Galamsey, as well as the destruction of farm lands and water bodies within the Mining Areas.” Tong-Rana noted.
According to the Paramount Chief, trees such as Shea, Rosewood, Dawadawa and other trees have been pulled down by these illegal miners to the detriment of the area.
He noted that Chemicals like Mercury and Cyanide are used by most of the miners which has various effects on humans, soil and water.
He also pointed out, that the Mineral Commission has not involved the Talensi Traditional Council and Paramouncy in the permit/license issued to the Mining Companies operating in the areas.
“There is no record of the Traditional Council issuing or leasing land to any of the Mining Companies and as a result, most of the Small Scale miners are doing whatever they like, regardless of the Laws of the land.” He added.
However, the Paramount Chief told a1radioonline.com that, the Traditional Council and Paramouncy has never received any royalties from Shaanxi Mining Ghana limited since they started operating in Gbane in the Talensi Traditional area.
Source: a1radioonline.com / Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
