The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has called on the National House of Chiefs to clarify its position on illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, and actively join the fight against environmental degradation.
According to the Coalition, chiefs have crucial role in protecting natural resources in the various communities against illegal mining.
The group said, “We urge them to join forces of opposition to the menace that threatens the very lives of their subjects and those of posterity. We believe that with the right actions, a positive change is not only possible but inevitable.”
The Coalition made the call in a statement issued in Accra on Monday, by its Convener, Dr Kenneth Ashigbey, on behalf of the group, comprising a network of organisations from some blocs.
They are the media, labour, religious bodies, youth groups, research and academia, pressure groups, civil society organisations, professional bodies and business bodies.
The call on the National House of Chiefs follows the House’s purported rejection of any ban on all forms of mining in the country conveyed by its President, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II.
“The Ghana Coalition against Galamsey, with a sense of pressing urgency, has noted with utter disappointment that the position of the National House of Chiefs conveyed through its president, purporting to reject any ban on all forms of mining. The Coalition further notes the House of Chiefs’ notable silence and its belated position, now published,” the statement disclosed.
“The seemingly rather shocking endorsement of illegal mining is particularly worrisome considering the constitutional mandate entrusted in the body to act as custodians of the customary resources of the various communities led by its members”, the Coalition noted.
It said the remarks by the president of the House was contradictory to the House’s communique, dated February 6, 2024, which outlined actions against galamsey.
“The Coalition is not unaware that some chiefs have been complicit in the ongoing poisoning of water bodies and destruction of farmlands in the name of galamsey.
“The House of Chiefs’ seeming opportunistic posture places this body on the wrong side of history as Ghana fights for its very life”, the statement said.
The Coalition said the statement was in line with its spirited campaign against galamsey and intensified calls for the government to take decisive action, following the wanton destruction of river bodies and forest cover
BY TIMES REPORTER