Paramount Chief calls for suspension of mining activities in Talensi


The Paramount Chief of the Talensi Traditional Area, Tongraan Kugbilsong Nanlebegtang, has called on the Minerals Commission through the Minister for Mines, Lands and Natural Resources to suspend all mining activities in the Traditional Area. 

He said due to the emergence of the mining activities within the traditional area a number of land boundary disputes are on the increase threatening the unity and peace that hitherto prevailed. 

The Paramount Chief who made the call at a news conference in his palace said these tensed up situation need to be curtailed as soon as possible and all violators will be brought to book by the traditional council. 

Tongraan Kugbilsong Nanlebegtang revealed that the minerals commission have approved over thirty small scale miners in the Talensi Traditional Area regardless of the proximity from one mining centre to the other. 

He said a number of water bodies and farm lands have been destroyed and polluted within the mining areas. 

According to him, trees such as shea nuts, rose wood and dawadawa have been fell by these miners to the detriment of the area. 

He said over hundred young men and women have lost their lives at the mining sites since 2006. 

Tongraan Kugbilsong Nanlebegtang who is also a Council of State Member for the Upper East Region said the accidents resulting to the deaths of the people are mainly as a result of collapsed pits and explosive toxic chemicals. 

He however, called on stakeholders and concern citizens to help correct the menace to achieve a good course in preserving and protecting the natural resources in the area.

GBC