Galamsey Fight: Ghana Coalition against Galamsey presses chiefs to declare their stance
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The Ghana Coalition against Galamsey, has, as a matter of urgency, called on the National House of Chiefs to come clear on what their position is in terms of the fight against illegal mining popularly called galamsey.
In a letter dated, Monday, September 23, 2024, the Coalition, which is made of key labour unions in Ghana, have expressed uncertainties on what position the National House of Chiefs assumes in the wake of the devastating impact of illegal mining activities.
There have been several calls for a complete abolishment of all forms of mining in forest reserves and water bodies to help restore the state of water resources and forest reserves.
Excerpt of the letter read, “The Ghana Coalition against galamsey, with a sense of pressing urgency, has noted with utter disappointment the position of the National House of Chiefs conveyed through its president, purporting to reject any ban on all forms of mining. The Coalition further notes the House of Chiefs’ notable silence and its belated position, now published.”
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The coalition noted that the loud silence of the National House of Chiefs, rather encourages the continuous destruction of the environment through illegal mining activities.
Some traditional authorities have been said to be behind the illegal mining activities with the recent destoolment of some chiefs in the Ashanti region by Otumfour Osei Tutu II.
“The Coalition is not unaware that some Chiefs have been complicit in the ongoing poisoning of water bodies and destruction of farmlands in the name of galamsey. The House of Chiefs’ seeming opportunistic posture places this body on the wrong side of history as Ghana fights for its very life,” the Coalition stated.
The Commission therefore, called on the National House of Chiefs to clarify their position on the specific question of galamsey.
“As custodians of the customary resources of the various communities, the House has a crucial role to play in protecting these resources from the ravages of illegal mining. We urge them to join more forcefully the forces of opposition to the menace that threatens the very lives of their subjects and those of posterity.”
Source: Radiooneghana.com
