The Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, has expressed optimism that illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey, are on the decline in Ghana, attributing the progress to the government’s proactive measures in addressing the issue.
Speaking to the media ahead of a scheduled meeting between government officials and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on illegal mining, Agyeman Badu II urged the public to view the gathering as a serious step toward resolving the longstanding environmental and economic challenge not just a routine interaction.
The Dormaahene acknowledged that illegal mining is not a recent problem, noting that it has been a persistent challenge during his 26-and-a-half-year reign.
However, he highlighted that recent efforts have successfully curbed some of the more destructive aspects of the practice.
He remarked, “If you ask me about my assessment, I would say now it’s going down. You know why I’m saying that? If you look at some of the steps that have been taken before, we’re not hearing about the people in the blue, the water guard and all that. We’re now hearing all that, you understand.
“Before this regime came, I know for a fact because of the work that I do, my forest reserves have been taken over. Now that situation has been kept down,” he added.
Despite these positive developments, the traditional ruler emphasized that illegal mining has not been completely eradicated.
He stressed the need for continued vigilance and stronger enforcement to eliminate the menace.
“I wouldn’t stand here to say that Galamsey is gone. It’s still with us. But I believe that if you look at now the seriousness, I want to encourage whoever is in charge, the Minister for Lands, Government, the people of Ghana, we should ensure that we nip this situation in the bud,” Agyeman Badu II said.
He assured residents in the Dormaa area that illegal miners will face strict penalties, including a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, reinforcing his commitment to protecting the environment and local livelihoods.
“So far as I’m concerned, at times I’m not in Dormaa, but I want to assure the people that so far as that area called Dormaa, once you are there, be sure that one day you’ll be caught and you know the punishment, minimum 15 years. Do you have to do that?,” he asked rhetorically.
The Dormaahene called on all Ghanaians to respect the natural resources left by their ancestors.
He warned against destroying water bodies and cocoa farms, urging everyone to engage in farming practices that preserve the environment.
“So I’m calling on all Ghanaians that this is the only thing that our ancestors left for us. So we don’t have to destroy the water bodies. We don’t want to destroy our cocoa farms and ensure that we do farming in the right way so that, you know, we can all, you know, be happy,” he appealed.
Source: www.Kumasimail/Kwadwo Owusu
