KEY POINTS
- The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) criticized the president of the National House of Chiefs for opposing a mining ban.
- The GCAG urged the House of Chiefs to clarify its stance on illegal mining.
- The coalition emphasized the House’s responsibility to protect natural resources from galamsey.
The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) has voiced disappointment over recent comments made by Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, president of the National House of Chiefs, regarding a proposed ban on all forms of mining in the country.
Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, who is also the paramount chief of the Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area, warned that a ban on illegal small-scale mining, known as galamsey, could cost Ghana millions of dollars. He made the comments during the opening of a new Minerals Commission office in the Western North Region.
His remarks opposed the calls from experts and the GCAG, a coalition of organizations from 10 sectors, for a ban on mining to prevent further destruction of rivers and forests.
GCAG calls for clear stance on Galamsey
In a statement responding to Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II’s comments, the GCAG called on the National House of Chiefs to clarify its position on illegal mining.
“As traditional custodians of the country’s natural resources, the House of Chiefs has a responsibility to help address the galamsey crisis,” the GCAG said.
“We urge them to forcefully join the fight against this menace, which threatens the lives of their subjects and future generations.”
The GCAG expressed disappointment over the position taken by the National House of Chiefs, as conveyed by its president, in opposition to a ban on all forms of mining. According to a report by Ghana Web, the coalition also criticized the House for its silence on the issue.
“If the statement has been accurately conveyed, the National House of Chiefs has, unfortunately, reinforced the destruction of Ghana’s environment and the commonwealth passed down by our ancestors,” the statement read.
The GCAG said it was particularly concerned about the House’s endorsement of illegal mining, given its constitutional role as custodians of the country’s natural resources. The coalition also pointed out contradictions between the House’s recent stance and a prior statement made in February 2024.
The GCAG further noted that some chiefs have been complicit in the ongoing destruction of water bodies and farmland through galamsey.
“We call on the National House of Chiefs to clarify its stance on galamsey. The House must play a critical role in protecting the country’s resources from illegal mining,” the GCAG said. “We urge them to join the fight against this threat, which endangers the lives of their subjects and posterity.”
The coalition concluded by stating that with the right actions, positive change is both possible and inevitable.
