Six Divisional Chiefs and their elders, representing the Dormaa Traditional Council, signed an agreement on Friday, September 29, to safeguard Dormaa land from illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
These chiefs and elders hail from the Ankobia, Nifa, Benkum, Aduana, Kyidom, and Gyaase divisions, covering six traditional areas, including Bomaa, Chiraa, Abesim Dormaa Municipality, Dormaa, and part of Sunyani.
The resolution stated that any chief who allows illegal mining to persist in their communities would face destoolment by the Omanhene, aligning with Act 995, the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act 2019.
During a special meeting organized by the Dormaa Traditional Council, Dormaahene Osagyefo Oseadeyor Agyemang Badu highlighted the necessity of this decision due to the adverse impact of galamsey on Dormaa communities.
He cited examples like Dormaa Akwamu, Subrikrom, Kyeremasu, and Kosani, where galamsey had caused significant damage, including school dropouts, environmental degradation, and destruction of cocoa farms.
The Dormaahene emphasized that chiefs in the area must take responsibility for addressing galamsey activities rather than turning a blind eye to them. He instructed residents to form community taskforces to apprehend illegal miners and hand them over to law enforcement agencies for prosecution.
He expressed a commitment to responsible mining that benefits the people, aiming to prevent Dormaa from suffering the same negative consequences as other mining towns in Ghana.
Before signing the resolution, the Adontenhene of the Dormaa Traditional Council, Barima Okogyetuo Agyemang, suggested considering the factors that drive youth into galamsey and the possibility of chiefs engaging in such activities.
However, this proposal was rejected by the Council, as it could provide an avenue for some chiefs to become involved in illegal mining.