The Mmrantihene of Akyem Asuom, Nana Awuah Baffour, has made it clear that the cessation of illegal mining activities, known locally as 'galamsey', is contingent upon directives from the government.
His statement comes amid increasing calls to halt galamsey.
Nana Baffour told Bernard Avle on the Point of View on Channel One TV that while he does not have the authority to issue or revoke mining licenses, his role is to ensure that the community benefits from any mining activities that take place.
He highlighted the importance of deriving developmental benefits from the resources generated by mining, provided it is conducted legally and responsibly. "It is a good message.
The government gives the license; I don't.
So if the government gives the license and says the activities are devastating the lands and we should stop, I won't say we should continue because of my interest.
If the government asks us to stop, we will, but if it allows us, then we will continue," Nana Awuah Baffour stated. "We can't stop people with their documentation to mine because I didn't give them the licence.
The only thing I can do is to derive the necessary benefits I can get from the activity for the development of the community," he added.