The Omanhene of Sefwi Wiawso in the Western North area issued a personal edict to strengthen the ban on illicit mining (galamsey) under his domain, and only three weeks later, the move has started to show promising results, according to the chief.
The chief claims that Katakyie Kwasi Bumagama II’s order supporting President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has contributed to the lighterening of the normally brownish hue of streams and rivers.
The chief has sent before and after pictures of the Bia river to Graphic Online’s Daniel Kenu to depict what was happening in the Sefwi area.
In a telephone conversation with Daniel Kenu on Monday, Katakyie Kwasi Bumagama II, said so long as he remained the traditional head of the area “anyone caught will be handed over to the law enforcement agency and I will make sure I follow the case till it’s logical conclusion.”
Rivers Bia, Sui and Tano have regained their natural form following continuous surveillance by a team formed by the chief, who is also a member of the Council of State.
The rivers which served as sources of drinking water were abandoned by the people for years until the issuance of the fiat.
Following the early story, the chief has enhanced the special task force team formed by the Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Council in collaboration with the Sefwi Wiawso Municipal, Bodi, Akontombra, Juaboso, Bia East and Bia West district assemblies to partner to fight the galamsey menace.
The paramount chief, while applauding the team for a good job, reminded it that the fight must not be a nine-day wonder but a continuous and sustained action to win the fight completely.