Chiefs, queens who engage in or aid galamsey will be prosecuted – Bono Minister warns

The Bono Regional Minister, Joseph Addae Akwaboa, has issued a stern warning to traditional leaders against participating in or supporting illegal mining, also known as galamsey, within their communities. He emphasized that the government, through the Blue Water Guards, requires their cooperation to combat illegal mining and logging activities, thereby protecting forest resources and water bodies.

Akwaboa delivered this message while on a regional "Accountability to the people" tour in the Wenchi municipality. During a durbar of chiefs and people of Wenchi, he sternly stated that any chief or queen who aided or supported illegal mining operations would face prosecution. He further stated that the Blue Water Guards had started full operations in the region and appealed to the public to report any suspected illegal mining activities in their areas to the relevant security agencies.

As part of his tour, Akwaboa inspected various projects in Wenchi, including the construction of a new clinic, six-unit classroom blocks, water supply projects, a Community-based Health Planning Service Compound, and the 24-hour market project.