Mahama urges chiefs to back galamsey fight, warns against deadly confrontations
President John Dramani Mahama has urged chiefs and traditional leaders to support the government’s fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, stressing the need to provide alternative livelihood opportunities for affected communities alongside enforcement measures.
He made the call when he received a delegation from the Western North Regional House of Chiefs at the Jubilee House in Accra.
President Mahama said the involvement of traditional authorities was crucial to the success of the anti-galamsey campaign because of their close ties with residents and their influence in communities where illegal mining remains prevalent.
He called for stronger collaboration among the government, traditional leaders and security agencies to address the environmental damage and security risks associated with the practice.
The President commended the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) for its efforts but expressed concern about resistance from some residents and traditional authorities during enforcement operations.
He warned that confrontations with anti-galamsey officers could undermine the campaign and lead to violent incidents, emphasising the need for chiefs and community leaders to support efforts to curb the practice.
“We need the help of our chiefs in the fight against galamsey because you live in the community with the people, and sometimes NAIMOS is doing a good job, but sometimes we go into some communities and the youth and the traditional authorities and everybody fight back at NAIMOS,” he said.
President Mahama noted that some operations had resulted in soldiers discharging firearms, leading to fatalities, and said greater cooperation from traditional authorities was needed to prevent further loss of life.
He particularly appealed for support in protecting forest reserves and water bodies from illegal mining activities.
The appeal comes as the government intensifies efforts to combat galamsey, with a focus on safeguarding forest reserves, protecting water sources and addressing the environmental consequences of illegal mining.
By Esther Padmore Amonoo
