Newly sworn-in Court of Appeal Judge and Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, has ruled out the need for declaring a state of emergency to tackle illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, in Ghana.
Speaking to the media after his swearing-in ceremony at the Jubilee House, Agyeman Badu II said the country has not yet reached the stage where such drastic measures are warranted.
He emphasized the importance of evaluating the financial contributions from the mining sector before taking extreme actions.
“No, no, it has not come to that,” he said. “Let’s look at how much we garner in respect of mining. Once you declare a state of emergency, the question is who can do that? If we are not able to get those resources, there will be a gap. So, there’s a need for us to act responsibly.”
The Dormaahene stressed that mining is an essential activity, but it must be conducted responsibly.
He condemned illegal mining as self-destructive and called for firm action against it.
“As for mining, nobody would argue that there shouldn’t be mining. But it has to be done responsibly. That is the whole point. People who engage in galamsey are destroying, so there is a need to take action.”
In a strong appeal to traditional leaders, he urged chiefs to exercise their authority in curbing galamsey within their jurisdictions.
“If someone can stop others from illegal mining in their area, why can’t you do the same? Here in Dormaa, if you come to me involved in galamsey, I will arrest you and hand you over to the police to be prosecuted,” he declared.
Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II concluded by warning the public on the consequences of engaging in illegal mining, urging everyone to desist from the practice.
“I want to appeal to everybody. They should ensure that people do not engage in galamsey, because if you do and you are arrested, you will face the consequences,” he stated
Source: www.Kumasimail/Kwadwo Owusu
