The Konongo Traditional Council has stepped up efforts to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, by performing traditional rites at one of the affected mining sites within its jurisdiction.
The symbolic exercise forms part of the council’s determination to protect the area’s natural resources and discourage individuals engaged in unlawful mining activities.
The traditional ceremony was conducted at a location that has been heavily affected by illegal mining.
According to the council, the rites were intended to invoke the authority of the traditional institution while sending a strong warning to those involved in the destructive practice to immediately stop their operations.
Traditional leaders said the growing activities of illegal miners continue to cause serious damage to the environment, including the destruction of farmlands, forests and water bodies that serve surrounding communities.
They stressed that if urgent measures are not taken, the environmental degradation could have lasting effects on agriculture, public health and the local economy.
The council noted that traditional authorities have a responsibility to safeguard lands under their care and preserve them for future generations. They therefore appealed to residents, opinion leaders, security agencies and government institutions to work together to tackle the illegal mining menace.
The chiefs also urged community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious mining activities to the appropriate authorities.
They believe collective action is essential to protecting the area’s natural resources and ensuring sustainable development.
Addressing those involved in galamsey, the Konongo Traditional Council issued a firm warning, urging them to stay away from the community’s lands and water bodies.
The council maintained that illegal mining offers only short-term financial gains while causing long-term environmental destruction and threatening the livelihoods of many people who depend on farming and clean water for survival.
