The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Tarkwa has called on traditional leaders to deploy cultural and spiritual authority in the fight against illegal mining, as enforcement efforts struggle to contain increasingly emboldened galamsey operators.
The appeal was made by the Regional Director of the EPA in Tarkwa, Derick Ashia Logo, who warned that illegal miners have become more defiant and, in some cases, pose serious threats to enforcement officers.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, he said many illegal mining sites are now heavily fortified and sometimes armed, making monitoring operations dangerous for state officials.
“We have come to realise that as we do our enforcement and monitoring, when we speak to these galamseyers, they are not prepared to stop what they are doing. They are so emboldened that they have ammunition on site, and if you’re not well prepared, you can lose your life,” he said.
Mr. Logo called on chiefs, as custodians of land and traditional authority, to take a more active role in protecting forests and water bodies within their jurisdictions.
He suggested that traditional leaders could help deter illegal mining by invoking customary beliefs and taboos tied to natural resources.
“We believe that the chiefs who are custodians of the lands in these communities have the power to invoke the spirits in water bodies and in the forests. They should call their people together and let them know that anybody who goes into the water body or forest to mine without the appropriate permit should die,” he said.
According to him, such cultural sanctions could serve as a powerful deterrent against illegal mining activities that continue to destroy rivers, streams, and forest reserves.
Mr. Logo further urged the government to support community-based environmental protection efforts financially to strengthen the role of traditional authorities in the fight.
He also proposed stricter accountability measures for chiefs who fail to protect natural resources in their areas.
“The government should come up with a policy. If you fail to protect the water bodies and forests and allow people to destroy them, you should be de-stooled. I believe no chief is prepared to be destooled, so they will have no reason but to help protect the water bodies and our forests,” he added.
The EPA says illegal mining remains a major environmental and security challenge, with enforcement teams increasingly facing resistance and safety risks during operations.
Story by: Nana Esi Brew Monney-Tarkwa
