The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has defended the Okyenhene following reports that his Palace has been cited in a Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) report to be engaging in illegal mining.
Some prominent chiefs and politicians including an MP B.T Baba have been mentioned as powerful names behind the age old illegal mining business which has destroyed water bodies nationwide.
The name of the Okyenhene’s palace popped up in the national investigative body’s report, however, the Lands Minister John Peter Amewu in a statement said: “The said BNI report only recorded a said perception against the Okyenhene’s Palace. It did not accuse the Okyenhene Palace or the Palace of being complicit in illegal mining activities.”
He added: “Checks by this Ministry indicates that the last known environmental protection task force from the Palace was disbanded over three (3) years ago.
“To the best of this Ministry’s knowledge, the Okyenhene’s Foundation has rather been at the forefront of the fight against illegal mining and the Ministry will continue to urge the Okyenhene, his Foundation and other traditional authorities to continue supporting this necessary fight to save the environment.
“The Ministry welcomes the support of responsible community action against illegal mining and thanks the general public and the media for their total support and commitment to the fight against illegal mining,” Mr. Amewu remarked.
The Akufo-Addo led administration has launched a war against the menace after a 30-day ultimatum expired a few weeks ago for illegal miners to cease operating.
