The Chief of Akyem Muoso, Osabarima Dr. Owusu Beyeeman, has raised serious concerns about the devastating impact of illegal mining on water bodies and farmlands in his community.
Speaking during the commemoration of his two-year enstoolment anniversary, he called for urgent measures to reclaim mined-out lands for agricultural purposes, emphasizing that food and water are essential to life, while gold is not.
Osabarima Dr. Owusu Beyeeman lamented the reckless destruction of the environment in the quest for gold, stressing that Ghana’s natural resources should not be sacrificed for short-term economic gains. “We are watching our rivers and forests disappear in the name of mining, yet no one can survive without food and water, but we can certainly live without gold,”- he stated.
The chief highlighted the importance of restoring degraded lands to support agriculture, which he believes will not only protect the environment but also create sustainable jobs for the youth. He urged stakeholders to prioritize farming as a key driver of development and food security.
Reflecting on the challenges the community faced due to past chieftaincy disputes, Osabarima Dr. Owusu Beyeeman noted significant progress within his two-year reign. He cited improvements in infrastructure, efforts to reclaim mined-out lands for agriculture, and enhanced academic performance in local schools.
A major focus of his leadership, he said, is a large-scale reafforestation initiative aimed at restoring the environment and promoting sustainable farming. This, he believes, will safeguard water resources and enhance food production for future generations.
In line with his vision, residents of Akyem Muoso in the Atiwa West District have already taken steps to restore the land, launching a community-led reafforestation project on a large scale. The initiative signals a collective effort to combat environmental degradation and ensure a greener, more sustainable future for the community.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Akosua Larbi