Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), traditional leaders, heads of security agencies and other key stakeholders in the mining sector have converged in the Ashanti Region to deliberate on the growing challenges associated with illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, cautioned Ghanaians against allowing the short-term economic benefits of illegal mining to destroy the country’s vegetation and natural resources.
He stressed the need to prioritise environmental protection over the financial gains associated with illegal mining, warning that the country risked losing its natural heritage if urgent measures were not taken to address the menace.
Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II also called on security agencies to strengthen their collaboration with traditional authorities in addressing conflicts that continue to threaten peace and security in various communities.
He noted that such conflicts place an unnecessary financial burden on the state and require a coordinated response from all relevant stakeholders.
The National House of Chiefs President further identified the inappropriate allocation and issuance of land for mining activities as one of the factors contributing to the illegal mining challenge.
He emphasised that whenever land is released for mining, all necessary procedures and documentation must be duly completed to ensure that the activity is carried out within the confines of the law.
He therefore urged Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives to intensify monitoring of mining activities within their respective jurisdictions and ensure that all individuals and companies engaged in mining possess the requisite permits and documentation.
He said effective enforcement of mining regulations, coupled with stronger cooperation among traditional authorities, local government officials and security agencies, would be critical to addressing illegal mining and protecting the country’s environment.
