Chief of Akyem Wenchi and Oseawuohene in the Eastern Region, Daasebre Dr. Asumadu Appiah, has openly acknowledged that efforts to eliminate illegal mining, or “galamsey,” in Wenchi and its surrounding areas are likely to be unsuccessful.
He explained that galamsey serves as the primary source of employment for the youth in the region, making it challenging to eradicate the practice without offering viable alternative livelihoods.
Instead of an outright ban, Daasebre Asumadu Appiah proposed the introduction of a more regulated community mining scheme. He argued that this approach would allow the government to generate revenue from the activity while ensuring environmental protection.
The chief also emphasized the need for traditional leaders (Nananom) to be more involved in the management of natural resources. He criticized the current system, where mining leases and permits are granted by the central government in Accra without proper consultation with local chiefs.
He called for a revision of this practice, advocating for traditional authorities to have a greater say in decisions impacting their lands.
Daasebre Asumadu Appiah made these comments during a visit from NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who called on him at his palace in Akyem Wenchi as part of his campaign tour in the Eastern Region.
“We don’t have any job opportunities within our community; the only job here is galamsey. As for the galamsey, it is not something we can stop if you tell us to stop. So all we asking is that you give us good policies and guidelines to do it. That is all we are asking from you that bring us those policies. You guys have said we should do community mining so for instance, I have sent an application to the district to do it.”
Dr Bawumia emphasized the importance of protecting the environment and stated that his administration plans to focus on promoting community mining schemes, including the implementation of a more flexible licensing process for these activities.
The Vice President also assured that traditional authorities would play active roles in the management and allocation of mining concessions.
“I think we haven’t gotten it right. For me, I think we should help small-scale mining and if we can do it well, galamsey will also do well. We need a licensing regime to make it easy so that people can acquire the license to work,” Dr Bawumia said.