The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has responded to comments made by the President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, who dismissed calls for a complete ban on all mining activities in Ghana.
The chief has instead advocated for stronger regulations to ensure responsible mining practices.
However, the Ghana Coalition highlighted that illegal mining not only depletes natural resources but also causes widespread pollution and degradation of water bodies, jeopardizing the livelihoods of many Ghanaians.
The coalition underscored the importance of a united front among stakeholders, including the National House of Chiefs, in tackling the challenges posed by galamsey.
They insisted that a clear and definitive stance from the National House of Chiefs could mobilize communities and foster compliance with environmental laws, ultimately contributing to more sustainable mining practices in the country.
“The Ghana Coalition against Galamsey, with a sense of pressing urgency, has noted with utter disappointment the position of the National House of Chiefs conveyed through its president, purporting to reject any ban on all forms of mining. The Coalition further notes the House of Chiefs’ notable silence and its belated position, now published.”
“Should this statement be correctly understood as it is relayed, the Coalition notes that the National House of Chiefs has regrettably reinforced and incentivized 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 to the body to act as custodians of the customary resources of the various communities led by its members,” an excerpt of the statement said.
In a recent statement, the coalition pointed out that the involvement of some traditional leaders in illegal mining has worsened the situation.
They urged the National House of Chiefs to adopt a strong stance against galamsey and promote sustainable mining practices that protect the environment and improve the well-being of communities affected by these operations.
The coalition believes that chiefs play a crucial role in guiding their people and setting a constructive example in the fight against illegal mining.
This call comes after Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, President of the National House of Chiefs, dismissed suggestions for a total ban on mining activities in Ghana.
Instead, he pushed for tighter regulations to ensure that mining is conducted responsibly.
In response, the Ghana Coalition pointed out that illegal mining not only exhausts natural resources but also leads to severe pollution and destruction of water bodies, threatening the livelihoods of many Ghanaians.
The coalition emphasized the need for unity among all stakeholders, including the National House of Chiefs, to effectively address the challenges posed by galamsey.
They argued that a clear and decisive position from the National House of Chiefs could inspire communities to adhere to environmental regulations, ultimately promoting more sustainable mining practices across the nation.