The National House of Chiefs has been encouraged by the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey to make clear what position it takes on illicit mining activities in Ghana, namely the pervasive practice of “galamsey.”
The alliance, which was made up of a number of media outlets, voiced serious concerns about the negative effects that illegal mining is having on the environment and society. It also emphasized the need for traditional authorities to take the lead in tackling this urgent issue.
The coalition said in a recent statement that the issue has been made worse by traditional leaders’ involvement in illicit mining.
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.
In response, the Ghana Coalition emphasized that illicit mining puts many Ghanaians’ livelihoods in jeopardy by depleting natural resources, causing widespread contamination, and deteriorating water bodies.
In order to address the issues presented by galamsey, the coalition emphasized the significance of stakeholders, especially the National House of Chiefs, presenting a united front.
They maintained that the National House of Chiefs could mobilize communities and encourage adherence to environmental regulations by taking a firm and unambiguous stand, which would eventually lead to more environmentally friendly mining activities throughout the nation.”With a sense of desperate urgency, the Ghana Coalition against Galamsey has noted with profound sadness the National House of Chiefs’ apparent rejection of any prohibition on mining of any kind, as communicated by 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.