The National House of Chiefs has called upon traditional leaders across the country to actively engage in addressing the persistent issue of illegal mining which continues to pose threats to water bodies and forest reserves.
In light of recent arrests related to illegal mining activities, the National House of Chiefs has emphasised the need for traditional leaders to play a proactive role in the fight against this menace.
During a meeting at the National House of Chiefs in Kumasi on Thursday (12 December) President Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II stressed that the government’s efforts to tackle illegal mining would be inadequate without the active participation of chiefs. He urged the government to collaborate with traditional authorities and allocate sufficient resources to effectively combat the issue.
“Nananom, there is enough evidence to suggest that the government’s approach in dealing with galamsey without the active participation of traditional authorities will not succeed. If the government does not involve Nananom, this fight will not succeed,” said Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II.
He further called for the government to work with traditional authorities in developing a comprehensive plan to address illegal mining, dedicating necessary resources to combat the menace and its associated environmental impacts.
Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II highlighted that if the issue of illegal mining is not promptly addressed, it could adversely affect the quality of crops, particularly cocoa.
He expressed concerns that some cocoa farmers are being harassed and pressured to sell their lands due to the impact of illegal mining, suggesting that the country might have to resort to importing both water and cocoa if corrective measures are not taken.
“There are also fears that the soil poisoned by galamseyers can affect not only the production of cocoa but also the quality of cocoa that we produce,” he added.
Reporting by Richmond Opoku, Ashanti Region
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