Kumasi chiefs  raise red flag over release of mineral exploration and mining concessions  

Members of the Kumasi Traditional Council have raised issues with some matters they say are undermining their authority as well as the socio-economic development of the Kumasi Metropolis.

Among them are the central government’s release of mineral exploration and mining concessions to companies and individuals without consulting them as custodians of the land. 

The Chiefs also accused the Lands Commission of allegedly selling stool lands without consulting them. 

These concerns were raised at a meeting of the Traditional Council in Kumasi, chaired by the Bantamahene, Baffuor Asare Owusu Amankwatia who deputised for the Asantehene.

 The Bantamahene noted with serious reservations the operations of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly including an alleged lack of transparency in their revenue generation and also the show of gross disrespect to the traditional authority.

These tendencies, Baffuor Asare Owusu Amankwatia warned, must stop in the interest of development.

Baffuor Asare Owusu Amankwatia proposed for the consideration of the Asantehene, the setting up of a Standing Committee that will serve as the development wing of the Council so as to keep Nananom constantly updated on development issues of the city. 

A Linguist of the Asantehene, Kyeame Kwaku Owusu, blamed traditional leaders for the upsurge in illegal gold mining activities within the region that have already caused irreparable damage to arable lands and water sources.

He specifically accused some of the chiefs of fronting for the galamsey operators to fulfil their parochial interest.

GBC