The Eastern Regional House of Chiefs has called for the active involvement of traditional leaders in the planning and implementation of policies aimed at addressing illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, in Ghana.
According to the chiefs, as custodians of lands with oversight responsibility, their participation is crucial for the success of the government’s efforts to curb illegal mining. They believe that empowering chiefs to lead the fight within their traditional jurisdictions will yield better results than sidelining them.
Since assuming office, Eastern Regional Minister Madam Rita Akosua Awatey has been confronted with the devastating impact of galamsey in the region.
In response, she has been engaging various stakeholders, including small- and medium-scale mining companies.
Following extensive consultations, the Eastern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has formed an illegal mining task force to clamp down on both licensed and illegal miners polluting water bodies and encroaching on forest reserves.
As part of efforts to ensure broad collaboration, Madam Awatey met with the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs at the residency to discuss how the government and traditional authorities can work together to effectively combat galamsey.
“I am here to inform you about the formation of the illegal mining task force. We all know the devastating effects of illegal mining our environment is being destroyed, our water bodies are polluted, and our communities are at risk. It is our collective responsibility to address this issue. It is not right to enter a community without informing the chiefs about such an initiative. On air, I said I would collaborate with stakeholders involved in managing the Eastern Region, and this meeting is one of the steps I have taken,” she stated.
The Paramount Chief of Akyem Kotoku, Oseadeeyo Dr Frempong Manso, emphasized that meaningful progress in the fight against galamsey can only be achieved if chiefs are involved in the process of granting mining concessions.
He argued that forming a task force without input from traditional leaders would be ineffective.
“Without our involvement, I do not know whether what we want will be accomplished. My contribution to the task force is whether the task force will be well-equipped to do its job. This exercise is so important that if we name the people who will be undertaking this task and they are not well-equipped, then we will be wasting resources and time.” he said.
This sentiment was echoed by other prominent chiefs, including Akwamuhene Odeneho Kwafo Akoto, Okuapemhene Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo, Paramount Chief of Bosogua Nana Osei Nyarko, and Paramount Chief of Yilo Krobo Oklepeme Nuer Anorbaa Sasraku.
The President of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, Nene Sakite II, stressed that chiefs must be consulted on national issues such as illegal mining to provide their expertise, urging that their concerns be channelled to the President for consideration.
Commending the Regional Minister for taking on the challenging task, Nene Sakite II also advised that the newly formed task force be adequately resourced to ensure it effectively carries out its mandate.
