The chiefs of Abosso and Bompieso, communities nestled within the Prestea Huni Valley Municipality of Ghana’s Western Region, have issued a stern condemnation of the rampant illegal mining activities plaguing their lands. They express deep concern over the environmental devastation wrought by these illegal miners, locally known as “galamseyers,” and point accusing fingers at political figures within the constituency and region for allegedly supporting these destructive practices. The chiefs have unequivocally endorsed the ongoing raids conducted by national security forces, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), and other security agencies, viewing them as necessary steps to combat this environmental menace.
This strong stance by the traditional leaders reflects their growing frustration with the unchecked destruction of their ancestral lands. They assert their ignorance of the illegal miners’ operations, emphasizing that these activities have been carried out without their authorization and have inflicted significant damage upon their farmlands and water bodies for years. The chiefs have issued a clear warning to politicians, both within and outside the Prestea Huni Valley Municipality, to cease their alleged encouragement of illegal mining on their lands. They reject any attempts to use their authority as a cover for unlawful activities and vow to resist such actions through all available legal channels.
At the heart of the chiefs’ message is a commitment to responsible mining practices. They emphasize that they are not opposed to mining itself but rather to the destructive and unregulated nature of illegal mining. They believe in the potential for mining to contribute positively to their communities, but only when carried out in a manner that respects the environment and the well-being of their people. The chiefs highlight their role as custodians of the land, entrusted with the responsibility of protecting their forests and water bodies for future generations. They assert that the ongoing raids are a collective effort, sanctioned by the traditional leadership, and aimed at safeguarding their natural resources from further degradation.
The chiefs’ statement commends the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, the Minister for the Interior, and the Minister of Defence for their swift response to their pleas for intervention. They express gratitude for the actions taken thus far to address the illegal mining crisis and call for continued vigilance in enforcing responsible mining practices. Their message underscores the urgent need for a collaborative approach, involving both government agencies and traditional authorities, to tackle the complex issue of illegal mining and protect Ghana’s precious natural resources. They see the current raids as a positive step towards restoring order and ensuring that mining activities are conducted sustainably and for the benefit of all.
The chiefs of Abosso and Bompieso are determined to see an end to the destructive practices of illegal mining and are calling for a shift towards responsible mining that respects the environment and their traditional authority. They are holding politicians accountable for their alleged involvement in supporting illegal mining operations and are determined to protect their ancestral lands for future generations. Their strong stance, coupled with the ongoing raids by security forces, signifies a turning point in the fight against illegal mining in the region, offering hope for a more sustainable and equitable approach to resource management.
This declaration from the traditional leaders serves as a critical reminder of the importance of respecting local communities and their ancestral lands in the pursuit of economic development. It highlights the devastating consequences of unchecked illegal mining and the need for a more balanced approach that prioritizes both economic growth and environmental sustainability. The chiefs’ unwavering commitment to responsible mining sets a powerful precedent for other communities facing similar challenges and underscores the vital role of traditional authorities in safeguarding natural resources and promoting sustainable development.
