The debate over illegal mining, or galamsey, is heating up in Ghana, and the President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, is stepping into the fray with a bold stance. Amid growing calls for a total ban on mining, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II is urging a different approach—one that doesn’t throw out the baby with the bathwater.
With the nation grappling with the devastating impact of galamsey on water bodies and the environment, many are demanding drastic action. Groups like the Ghana Medical Association and Organized Labour have called on President Akufo-Addo to ban all small-scale mining or even declare a state of emergency to tackle the crisis.
But Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II sees things differently. "Mining is crucial to Ghana's economy," he asserts, emphasizing that an outright ban could do more harm than good, especially when it comes to jobs. For many Ghanaians, particularly the youth, mining is their lifeline. A blanket ban, he warns, could plunge thousands into unemployment.
"You all know I stand firmly against galamsey, and I will continue to fight it," he declared. "But we must not prevent Ghanaians from engaging in mining altogether. Gold is our heritage, but we must mine it the right way. That’s why we have institutions like the Minerals Commission to regulate these activities."
Instead of a ban, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II advocates for stricter regulations to ensure mining is done responsibly. "We need to focus on regulating illegal mining, so it can be done in a way that protects our environment and benefits the nation. Mining will continue, but it must be done responsibly," he emphasized.
His call for responsible mining is gaining traction, especially as Lands and Natural Resources Minister Samuel Abdullai Jinapor echoes similar sentiments. Jinapor is adamant that the government will not back down in its fight against illegal mining, despite the challenges posed by powerful cartels and selfish interests.
"Even with all the measures we've put in place, some individuals continue to destroy our water bodies and forests for their own gain," Jinapor said. "But we won't give up. We’ll keep working to protect our environment, and the support of our traditional leaders will be crucial."
As the nation continues to grapple with the galamsey crisis, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II’s call for a balanced approach offers a way forward. It’s a call to protect Ghana’s natural resources while also safeguarding the livelihoods of its people. The focus now is on how to enforce these stricter regulations to ensure that mining in Ghana is both responsible and sustainable.
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