The Sunyani Dwantoahene, Nana Takyi Abeam, has emphasized the critical role of chiefs in curbing illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, within their traditional areas.
Speaking in an interview with the media in Sunyani amidst the recent national outcry over illegal mining activities, Nana Takyi Abeam highlighted that chiefs, as custodians of the land, have the authority to influence activities within their domains.
Nana Takyi Abeam explained that whether overseeing family or stool lands, chiefs have the final say on developments or activities on their lands.
“We, as chiefs, are the rightful landowners, and nothing should happen without our knowledge or consent,” he stated, urging his fellow chiefs to use their power to protect their lands from environmental harm caused by galamsey.
He recalled an incident where Chinese nationals approached the Sunyani Traditional Council, seeking permission to engage in small-scale mining on Sunyani lands.
The then Sunyani Paramount Chief, Nana Bosoma Asor Nkrawiri II, firmly denied their request. However, the council later discovered that the Chinese miners had begun exploring a village for potential mining operations.
The case was reported to the Sunyani Municipal Security Council (MUSEC), which took immediate action and drove the miners away from the site. Since then, there have been no further reports of illegal mining activities in the area.
Nana Takyi Abeam believes this incident demonstrates the ability of traditional authorities to address illegal mining, even without immediate government intervention.
“We did not wait for the government; we acted quickly, and the community has been free from galamsey ever since,” he said.
As the national conversation on galamsey continues, Nana Takyi Abeam’s comments come when environmentalists, civil society groups, and citizens call for more effective measures to combat the problem.
Several water bodies, including the Pra, Birim, and Ankobra rivers, have been heavily polluted, and Ghana’s forests are at risk due to illegal mining activities.
Despite government efforts, galamsey operators often find ways to evade enforcement.
Nana Takyi Abeam urged stronger collaboration between the government and traditional leaders to address the issue, noting that chiefs hold great influence and can significantly impact the protection of the country’s natural resources.
“Chiefs have a crucial role in this fight, and we cannot afford to stay on the sidelines. If we wait too long, the damage may be irreversible,” he warned, calling on chiefs nationwide to remain vigilant and take a stand against illegal mining in their regions.