Okyenhene rejects community mining initiative as he endorses planting for food and jobs

The Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin has outrightly rejected government's community mining initiative instituted by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Mining (IMCM) as alternative to the illegal mining.

While he casts doubt over adherence to best practices and responsible mining when the initiative is finally rolled out, the Akyem Abuakwa overlord suggested government rather commit resources into the planting for food and jobs initiative than mining.

The Okyenhene made the remark when the Lands and Natural resources minister, Kwaku Asoma Kyeremeh paid a courtesy call on him at Kyebi in the eastern region.

The visit of the Land and natural resources minister forms part of a five-day field visit to mining communities in the region.

The Akufo Addo led government made a strong case against illegal mining looking at its devastating effects on lands, water bodies and forest in general and therefore placed a ban on the practice to enable the government to find better and lasting solution to its effect.

The community concept, born few months ago, is, therefore, a Replacement and a relief to the many youth who hitherto became redundant due to the ban on illegal small scale mining.

The Okyenhene welcoming the minister to his palace said the planting for food and jobs initiative was more sustainable and has the potential of raking in more money for the country than mining which he says has contributed little to the economy.

" My suggestion is not an attack on your policy, it is a suggestion I'm making and i feel passionately about this. We cut trees recklessly when we know that the leaves hold carbon dioxide, we are cutting without knowing the life-saving features they may hold and for 62 years we don't know where we are going", He lamented.

Mr. Asoma Kyeremeh on his part stated that he is in the region to explain the objective of the community mining initiative.

According to him, the initiative will reduce the price one has to pay for engaging in illegal mining.

The minister and his entourage inspected some mining sites in Akyem- Gyampomanin, and Dome in the Fanteakwa South District.

The minister during his visit insisted that two mining firms, life long mining company limited and Dome mines reclaim degraded lands and mine hundred meters away from the birim river.