The Agbogbomefia of Asogli, Togbe Afede XIV, has warned that any unruly group of individuals who attempt to introduce illegal mining into the Volta Region will suffer swift and ruthless consequences.
“We will not allow galamsey in the Volta Region,” he added.
Togbe Afede issued the stern caution at the Volta Economic Forum in Ho last Wednesday.
The forum, on the theme, ‘’From Opportunity Showcase to Investment Execution’’, was attended by a large number of entrepreneurs, traditional rulers, students, representatives of corporate bodies, public servants and people from all walks of life.
Technical know-how
Togbe Afede said the region had people endowed with the appropriate technical know-how to manage its natural resources to create jobs and wealth.
A section of the participants during the forum
For that matter, he said, the chiefs and people of the region would not stand aside and look on unconcerned while miscreants invaded the area to destroy the environment for their selfish gains.
The Agbogbomefia mentioned the lithium and iron ore deposits in parts of the region, and said they could be harnessed with the appropriate investments and partnerships to lift the region to astonishing economic heights.
Togbe Afede said such projects must be well coordinated in the absence of galamsey and unfair political influences to achieve maximum results.
He commended the government for the Big Push roads project, which he said, was creating bright development prospects for all Ghanaians, irrespective of their political persuasions.
Togbe Afede urged the people of the Volta Region to renew their sense of patriotism and fiercely resist all forms of corruption and evil, and rather embrace selflessness, perseverance, love for one another and honesty at all times to move the region forward.
Chief of Staff
The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, in a speech read on his behalf, said the Volta Region needed the discipline to turn its vast natural resources and other development potentials into jobs and sustainable incomes with the right partnerships to implement the projects.
“The opportunity is before us, the responsibility is ours, and the time for execution is now,” he said.
Collaboration
Mr Debrah said the region required collaboration among the government, private sector, traditional authorities, communities, financial institutions, development partners and investors.
He said the government would provide an enabling environment, while the private sector brought in the capital, innovation, technology and entrepreneurship.
An entrepreneur himself, Mr Debrah said young people and local businesses must also be given opportunities to participate through skills development, employment and entrepreneurship.
Every opportunity presented should have a clear pathway for follow-up, financing and implementation, he maintained.
“Let us, therefore, move from ideas to projects, projects to investments, investments to businesses and businesses to jobs and sustainable development,” he said.
Regional Minister
The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, said the region was set for brisk and lucrative undertakings in the areas of agro-processing, tourism and hospitality, manufacturing and logistics supplies, warehousing and cross-border trade as well as fisheries.
“So, we must consolidate the peace and unity for rapid progress,” he said.
Mr Gunu reiterated that the Volta Region was ready with land, work force, resources and opportunities to collaborate vigorously with investors to unlock those fortunes.
“Opportunities must meet vision and appropriate partnerships,” he stated.
