Landowners within the Akyem Abuakwa State risk losing their land for life if they release them to illegal miners. The Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council has warned that all lands mined and abandoned with open pits shall be reclaimed and handed over to the Stool.
Addressing a durbar of chiefs and the people of the Gyaase division in Akyem Abuakwa State, as part of activities marking his 25th-anniversary celebration on his ascension to the Ofori Panin Stool, Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, announced that illegal mining, coupled with many abandoned open pits, continues to pose health risks to the citizens.
He stated that the traditional council would reclaim all abandoned mines, and such lands would be taken over permanently.
“We have a decree at the State Council that any landowner who releases his/her 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 to reclaim those lands, hold the interest in that land, and nobody can do anything about it,” Okyenhene declared.
He expressed concern over the devastation caused by illegal mining and its health implications within mining communities nationwide.
“Today, some babies are born with deformities—some without hands, eyes, and all forms of deformities—due to the toxic nature of the chemicals left in our waters and land.”
“People come here to mine, destroy our lands, and then return to their hometowns to enjoy life while you, as a landowner, continue to release your land to illegal miners? It’s unthinkable!” Osagyefuo remarked.
He also warned those with interests in lands who refuse to release them for developmental projects, stating 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 the land for themselves and their families. However, if the state requires land for development, that land can be taken, and compensation will be paid to the owner. Nobody can resist development in this area,” Okyenhene educated his subjects.
Okyenhene has decided to tour the five divisions within the Akyem Abuakwa State and connect with his subjects as part of his 25th-anniversary celebration.
The divisional durbars began with the Adonten division in Kukurantumi, followed by the Benkum division in Begoro, Nifa in Asiakwa, Oseawuo in Wenchi, and Gyaase division in Kwaben.
The grand durbar commemorating Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin’s anniversary is slated for October 12, 2024, at the Akyem Abuakwa State Capital in Kyebi.
The grand durbar in Kyebi will see a host of chiefs from within Akyem Abuakwa and across the country gathering to show solidarity with the Okyenhene.
The anniversary planning committee has indicated that it will be a day to showcase the culture and traditions of Okyeman.
