Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has stated that the government is prepared to resource and empower traditional chiefs across the country to join hands in the fight against the operations of illegal miners, otherwise known as galamsey. Speaking at a public event in the Eastern Region, Dr. Bawumia, who emphasized that chiefs are very instrumental in the maintenance of law and order in their communities, maintained that they would be key allies in the government's efforts at combating the destructive practice.
The Vice President, in his speech, emphasized that illegal mining has devastated the environment, especially most of the nation's forests and water bodies. He warned that degradation of the natural resources poses serious health threats to Ghanaians and livelihoods; hence, it is an activity that requires all hands on deck to end the menace.
"Traditional authorities are key in the galamsey fight because they have the respect and hold influence over their people, and we are committed to working with them for some lasting solutions to this issue," Dr. Bawumia said.
He said the government was determined to equip chiefs with the tools, knowledge, and capacity to ward off illegal mining within their chiefdoms. This includes training local leaders in environmental protection and introducing innovative technologies for more effective detection of illegal mining activities.
Dr. Bawumia emphasized that the government would continue with the security agencies and the Minerals Commission to ensure that such perpetrators of illegal mining face the full legal consequences.
This comment comes from the Vice President amidst continued illegal mining, which has remained one of the biggest challenges facing the country, despite the government's efforts to overcome it. In recent years, reports have been made of rising violence, contamination of water sources, and the destruction of farmlands due to unauthorized mining activities.
This is coupled with an increasing call by the government to get chiefs more involved in galamsey combat, part of wider efforts toward overall comprehensive involvement of communities in sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
To this, he renews his commitment and, with the renewed commitment, the collaboration between government and traditional authorities, among other stakeholders, shall work in reduction of illegal mining and conserve Ghana's natural resources for future generations.
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