The President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, has firmly opposed calls for a total ban on mining activities in Ghana, advocating instead for stricter regulations to ensure responsible mining practices.
He emphasized that mining is a crucial pillar of the nation’s economy, and halting it altogether would not be in the best interests of the country.
“You all know I am against Galamsey, and I will continue to fight against it, but that should not prevent Ghanaians from engaging in mining activities,” he stated, calling for the Minerals Commission to play a more proactive role in regulating mining.
This stance comes as pressure mounts on the government to take decisive action against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, which has been ravaging water bodies and the environment.
Various groups, including the Ghana Medical Association and Organized Labour, have urged President Akufo-Addo to ban all small-scale mining activities or declare a state of emergency.
Their calls are backed by research from 2016 by Danyo Gilbert and Osei-Bonsu Albert, which warns that Ghana risks becoming a desert by 2050 if current mining practices continue.
Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, however, argued that such a drastic measure would lead to massive job losses, especially among the youth.
“We are pleading to those calling for the declaration of a state of emergency, and those calling for a ban on mining should know the benefit the nation gets from mining. If we stop mining, most of our youth will be pushed out of jobs,” he cautioned.
He called for the adoption of measures that would regulate illegal mining and promote responsible mining practices, asserting, “As for the mining, we will do it, but we will do it responsibly.”
Echoing the Chief’s sentiments, Lands and Natural Resources Minister Samuel Abdullai Jinapor reiterated the government’s commitment to combating illegal mining.
Acknowledging the challenges posed by cartels and selfish interests, Jinapor vowed to protect the nation’s water bodies, environment, and forest reserves. “Despite these measures, some nation-wreckers motivated by their selfish interests continue to destroy our water bodies and forest reserves.
But we will not relent on our efforts. We will continue to adopt the necessary measures to protect our water bodies, environment, and forest reserves, and Nananom’s cooperation and support will be invaluable,” he stressed.
