The Chief of Akyem Hemang, Osabarima Mmirrikkissi Okasum Apori Atta, has urged authorities to take more aggressive measures against illegal miners, labeling them as terrorists and murderers for the devastating impact of their activities on Ghana’s environment and water bodies.

Expressing his frustration over the lack of enforcement, he stated, “So many laws, but the actors or implementers will not enforce them because security services and regulators are supposed to act, yet they do nothing.”

The chief highlighted the long-term consequences of illegal mining, particularly its destruction of vital water sources.

He warned that while some may have the means to buy clean water, the vulnerable in society would suffer the most.

“When they destroy our water bodies, I can buy [water], but what about the poor man who cannot? When they cannot buy, they will turn on us and start complaining. Don’t complain—destroy it, destroy it!” he urged.

Advocating for stricter punishment, he dismissed the idea of merely seizing mining equipment, insisting on a more drastic approach.

“I don’t believe in seizing equipment and putting it somewhere, only for another government to return it to them.

“We should burn it to ashes and, if possible, arrest them and treat them as murderers,” he declared.

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