The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has called on the National House of Chiefs to clarify its position on illegal mining, particularly the practice of “galamsey,” which is causing widespread environmental and social damage in Ghana.
The coalition, made up of various media organizations, expressed deep concern over the impact of illegal mining and stressed the need for strong leadership from traditional authorities to tackle this critical issue.
In their recent statement, the coalition highlighted that the involvement of some traditional leaders in illegal mining has worsened the problem. They urged the National House of Chiefs to take a clear and firm stance against galamsey and champion sustainable practices that protect the environment and support the welfare of communities affected by mining.
The coalition believes that chiefs play a crucial role in guiding their communities and setting a positive example in the fight against illegal mining.
This call follows remarks by Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, President of the National House of Chiefs, who rejected proposals for a complete ban on mining activities in Ghana. Instead, he advocated for stronger regulations to promote responsible mining.
In response, the coalition emphasized that illegal mining is depleting natural resources, polluting water bodies, and threatening the livelihoods of many Ghanaians. They underscored the importance of unity among all stakeholders, including the National House of Chiefs, in addressing the challenges posed by galamsey.
The coalition stressed that a definitive stance from the National House of Chiefs could mobilize communities and encourage compliance with environmental laws, contributing to more sustainable mining practices in the country.
“The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey, with a sense of pressing urgency, has expressed disappointment in the position of the National House of Chiefs, as conveyed by its president, rejecting a ban on all forms of mining. The Coalition notes the House of Chiefs’ silence and its delayed response, which has now been made public.”
“If this statement is interpreted as intended, the Coalition believes that the National House of Chiefs has regrettably encouraged the rampant destruction of Ghana’s environment and the natural resources inherited from our forebears.”
“The alarming endorsement of illegal mining is especially concerning given the constitutional duty of the chiefs to act as custodians of the customary resources within their communities,” the statement read.