Okogyeman Kwaku Gyamprah III, the Paramount Chief of Sefwi Chirano Traditional Area, has called for responsible and ethical mining to ensure sustainable development and protect the environment from destruction.
According to him, the mining sector contributed to the country’s development in terms of job creation, infrastructure development, and tax revenues among others, hence, it was important to optimise these benefits through responsible mining practices.
The Paramount Chief, who is also the Vice President of the Western North Regional House of Chiefs, made the call during the 2025 Elluo Festival durbar at his palace in Sefwi Chirano
Okogyeman Gyamprah III charged all stakeholders, especially the law enforcement agencies to continually support the government’s fight against illegal mining to ensure a collective benefit for all.
Nana Ackaah I, Amamerehene of Sefwi Chirano Traditional Area, gave a brief history of the Elluo Festival and said it was a harvest festival celebrated annually by the people and chiefs of Sefwi Chirano to express gratitude to their ancestors for blessing them with bountiful harvest, and in other spheres of their endeavours.
He said it was a period to feed their ancestors, and ask for protection, blessings, long life, and better harvest in the ensuing year.
The Elluo Festival displayed the rich culture of the area through drumming and dancing, and was attended by government officials, including Mr Sebastian Obeng, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Bibiani-Anhwaiso-Bekwai, Management of Asante Gold Corporation Limited, the Clergy, and other traditional leaders from Sefwi Anhwiaso, Bekwai, and Wiawso.
