Promote responsible mining – Otumfuo charges EPA

The Asantehene , Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has charged the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to put in place requisite regulatory policies to promote responsible mining.

Responsible mining, the King observed, is key to mitigating environmental impacts from mining operations on lands and water bodies.

“It is not your job to take guns to fight galamsey. Even our soldiers couldn’t fight it. But remember our forefathers mined effectively without destroying the environment. This means we can also mine effectively and efficiently. Find ways to protect the environment from these activities,” he told officials of the EPA who paid homage to him at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Friday, December 15, 2023.

The courtesy call was part of a three-day working visit by the Management and Board members of the EPA led by the Executive Director, Dr Henry Kwabena Kokofu, and the Board Chairman, Prof Kwasi Appeaning Addo.

I’ll demand answers 

Expressing deep concern over the manner galamsey is destroying lands, forest reserves and water bodies, the Asantehene said, the EPA cannot escape blame for the development.

He said he would keep demanding answers from the agency over the destruction caused by galamsey.

“If I am informed that lands, forest covers and rivers are under siege, then I have to come to you for answers. You must render accounts for that since you were entrusted with the environment. The agency was established for a cause. The environment has been entrusted to your care and it’s a big task. Our lands, rivers, forests and air are under your care and that simply means our lives are in your care,” Otumfuo stated.

He added, “You all hold positions and titles but what are you doing to protect the atmosphere and air we breathe from pollution, the water bodies and the forest from being destroyed? That is what you have been employed to do.”

Education

The King also called for increased public education on environmental protection.

He said people should be made aware that when the last tree dies, the last man dies , and also when they destroy water bodies, they are destroying themselves .

He further stated that, people must know why they should not build in watercourses.

Branches

Dr Kokofu informed the Asantehene that, in line with efforts to spread its activities across the country and the Ashanti Region in particular, the EPA will soon establish six more branches in Mampong, Juaben and other towns.

In addition, he said the agency will establish a new office complex in Kumasi.