Ghana: Immediately clarify your position on illicit mining. National House of Chiefs coalition opposing Galamsey
Comprising various media organisations, the coalition expressed significant concern regarding the environmental and social repercussions of illegal mining, emphasising the necessity for strong leadership from traditional authorities in addressing this pressing issue.
In their recent statement, the coalition noted that the participation of traditional leaders in illegal mining has exacerbated the problem.
The National House of Chiefs was urged to adopt a resolute stance against galamsey and advocate for sustainable methods that give precedence to the well-being of the environment and the communities impacted by mining activities.
According to the partnership, chiefs are essential in leading their communities and providing a good example in the struggle against illicit mining.
This appeal follows the National House of Chiefs President Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II’s rejection of demands for an outright ban on all mining operations in Ghana.
Rather, he espoused the need for more stringent laws to guarantee ethical mining methods.
The Ghana Coalition responded by pointing out that illicit mining puts the lives of people living near water bodies at danger in addition to depleting natural resources.
In order to address the issues presented by galamsey, the coalition emphasised the significance of stakeholders, especially the National House of Chiefs, presenting a united front.
They maintained that the National House of Chiefs could mobilise communities and encourage adherence to environmental regulations by taking a firm and unambiguous stand, which would eventually lead to more environmentally friendly mining activities across the nation.
“With a sense of desperate urgency, the Ghana Coalition against Galamsey has noted with profound sorrow the National House of Chiefs’ apparent rejection of any moratorium on mining in whatever form, as communicated through its president. The Coalition also takes note of the House of Chiefs’ surprising lack of response and its just released, belated stance.”
“Should this statement be correctly understood the way it is relayed, the Coalition notes that the National House of Chiefs has regrettably reinforced and incentivised the rampant and wanton destruction of Ghana’s environment and the commonwealth bequeathed to us by our forebears.”
“The seemingly rather shocking endorsement of illegal mining is particularly worrisome considering the constitutional mandate entrusted the body to act as custodians of the customary resources of the various communities led by its members,” a portion of the statement stated.
