Chiefs and elders of Ntotroso Traditional Area in the Asutifi North District of the Brong Ahafo Region have performed rituals to seal the illegal mining pit which claimed one life with several others believed to have been trapped in on Sunday October 1, 2017.
The Sompahene of Ahafo Ntotroso Traditional Area led the chiefs and elders to the collapsed illegal mining pit to perform the traditional rituals for the dead persons to prevent another calamity.
It would be recalled that last Sunday dawn, a galamsey pit in the area caved in, leaving one dead, with several others believed to have been trapped in the pit. The 25-year-old deceased, was only identified as Christian, and was believed to be a Nigerian. The tragic incident reportedly happened at 3:00 a.m., Sunday, when the illegal miners descended into the trenches to look for gold.
Addressing a press conference last week Thursday, Omanhene of Ntotroso Traditional Area, Barima Twereku Ampem II, described the incident as “worrying and heartbreaking.” He appealed to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to dispatch Operation Vanguard to the community to help fight the activities of illegal mining in the area. He assured government of the traditional council’s commitment and determination to support the president’s campaign against illegal mining. Barimah Twereku Ampem II accused foreigners and non-indigenes as those engaging in the illegal act.
He bemoaned the fact that the lack of logistics and equipment was hindering their fight against illegal mining in the area. “I don’t have the equipment to do the job and companies that can assist us say they cannot do it without the support and backing of the government.
…I’m therefore appealing to the government, the regional minister and the district chief executive for the area to liaise and take a decision to cover the pits. When we are asleep, they go to mine,” he lamented.
Minerals & Mining Matters
…with Freeman Koryekpor Awlesu
