Make chiefs signatories to mining concessions – Otumfuo
Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is calling for an amendment of the 1992 Constitution to make chiefs signatories to mining concessions.
Again, the Asante monarch has suggested that traditional leaders be given equities in mining companies that operate within their areas to enable them to also benefit from the natural resources on their land.
According to him, if the chiefs owned equities in the mineral resources, they would be the first to protect the resources and prevent illegal mining, popularly known as ‘galamsey’.
The Asantehene made these remarks at the end-of-year meeting with the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs at Manhyia in Kumasi on Thursday, 16 December 2021.
He also tasked chiefs in his jurisdiction not to engage in multiple sales of land and warned that any chief found culpable will be de-stooled.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II also applauded the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Samuel A. Jinapor, for his leadership in tackling matters relating to lands and the natural resources of the country.
According to the traditional leader, since the assumption of office, Mr Jinapor has discharged his duties and responsibilities with lots of diligence, humility, truth and integrity.
This, he said, will take the minister very far in his political career.
The minister was present at the meeting to address the 39-member Regional House of Chiefs on the government’s policies in the lands and natural resources sector.
In an address, he described the New Land Act 2020, as a composite law that encompasses all issues regarding land administration in Ghana.
