His Majesty Ehunabobrim Prah Agyensiam VI, King of the Owirenkyi Traditional Area and President of the Owirenkyi Traditional Council in Assin Kushea, has addressed claims that traditional leaders have not taken a strong stance against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
He explained that while some traditional leaders may indeed be complicit, the problem is not solely their fault. In many cases, he noted, community members also play a role by inviting foreigners onto their personal lands to engage in illegal mining activities.
Speaking at the Achimota Speaks event on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, under the theme “Ghana’s Death by Galamsey: Who Will Bell the Cat?”, His Majesty clarified that the issue goes beyond the control of traditional leaders.
While some chiefs may be involved, the practice often stems from community members who allow foreigners to set up illegal mining operations on their private lands.
He also highlighted a common misconception about the authority of traditional leaders, stating that they do not have the power to enforce mining regulations or impose legal sanctions.
His Majesty emphasized that the responsibility for land misuse is complex and cannot be blamed entirely on traditional leadership.
“To be honest with you, I am not in agreement with the fact that chiefs have failed in fighting galamsey. I know that some Chinese and other nationals go to these places not only to see the chiefs, but some citizens in the villages and towns have taken upon themselves to be agents of disruption and they meet these people and they themselves have farms.
“There are no legal sanctions on any chief who gives land for farming and it is turned into a galamsey site.
Also, chiefs have not got the sort of powers that you think they have… so to say that chiefs have failed to contribute to the fight against galamsey, I think it is too harsh, to say the least,” he added.
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