Lower Axim, Western Region – The Paramount Chief of the Lower Axim Traditional Area, Awulae Attibrukusu III, has issued a stern ultimatum to chiefs under his authority: any traditional leader found to be involved in illegal mining (galamsey) within his jurisdiction will be forced to abdicate.
Speaking during a meeting of the Lower Axim Traditional Council in Axim, Nzema-East Municipality, the Paramount Chief expressed grave concern over the destruction of farmlands and water bodies that sustain the predominantly farming communities in the area.
“This is the final warning,” Awulae Attibrukusu III said, urging chiefs and queen mothers to end all involvement in galamsey operations. He named several communities where the menace has become rampant, including Awukyire, Kegina, Anagye, Nduabesa, Agona, and Edelesuazo.
According to the traditional leader, he has already reported some chiefs to the authorities and will not intervene if they are arrested. He challenged them to explain how excavators and chanfang machines manage to pass through their towns en route to mining sites.
Awulae Attibrukusu III also revealed that illegal miners had recently invaded and destroyed his rubber plantation, a personal investment cultivated with years of effort and resources.
He called on the Traditional Council to unite in restoring its dignity by taking decisive action against galamsey, and urged support for the government’s anti-mining efforts, led by Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, a native of the Nzema area.
The warning comes in the wake of the recent tragic helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region that claimed the lives of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, and six others, including military personnel. The victims were reportedly on their way to a mining-related event.
