The Paramount Chief of the Talensi Traditional Area, Tongraan Kugbilsong Nanlebegtang, is calling on the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, to coordinate efforts to curb the spread of illegal mining in the area.
The Tongraan said illegal mining activities are having severe environmental consequences, including extensive land degradation and the loss of important tree species, particularly those of economic value.
He made the call when he received the minister at his palace during a working visit to the Upper East Region to engage stakeholders in the extractive sector.
“These activities have severe effects such as environmental destruction, health risks, economic losses, and social conflict. We therefore seek effective action to minimise this canker in our area, which is gradually destroying our farms and water bodies, especially illegal mining,” he said.
The paramount chief added that traditional authorities recognise the benefits of mining to the local economy and are willing to support regulated alternatives. He indicated their readiness to release land to facilitate community mining initiatives.
“We are prepared to release land outside large-scale mining concessions for allocation to community mining. This, as proposed by the government, is what we believe will help resolve illegal mining activities,” he said.
He stressed that stakeholders are committed to ensuring that all mining activities in the area are properly structured, safe, and environmentally sustainable.
“With community mining, we believe it will bring together all those engaged in mining as a profession and ensure they operate under proper regulation, without destroying the environment as is currently the case,” he added.
The chief also appealed to the minister to fast-track the approval of community mining schemes in Talensi to promote safe and regulated small-scale mining.
On corporate social responsibility agreements, Tongraan Nanlebegtang disclosed that discussions are ongoing between stakeholders and the two large-scale mining companies operating in the area.
“We believe it will be signed in due course. It has already been discussed, and we are at the signing stage with Cardinal Namdini Mining,” he said.
He explained that such agreements would formalise engagements between mining companies and host communities, outlining expectations and ensuring benefits such as community development projects, road construction, and employment opportunities.
The chief also raised concerns about growing insecurity in the area, which he attributed to an influx of people linked to mining activities.
“There has been an increasing inflow of different kinds of people into the area, and as such, there has been a rise in armed robbery and other illegal activities. This worrying trend needs to be addressed,” he said.
He called for increased security presence and operational support for security personnel in the area.
