The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Rural Development has assured traditional leaders of the restoration of their power of summons as part of efforts to combat illegal mining.
Through an amendment of Section 63(D) of the Chieftaincy Act, traditional leaders will be empowered to summon individuals involved in environmental crimes.
Sector Minister Ahmed Ibrahim expressed confidence that restoring this power would also aid the local government ministry in addressing sanitation issues.
“The amendment of this section will bring back to Nananom [chiefs] the power to summon persons within their jurisdiction who indulge in harmful practices such as galamsey, which destroys our river bodies and environment,” he stated.
Article 63(D), which criminalized the deliberate refusal to honor a chief’s summons, was previously struck down by the Supreme Court for being inconsistent with the constitution.
As part of his campaign promises, President John Mahama pledged to amend the Act to strengthen the chieftaincy institution.
Earlier, the President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahohuo Yaw Gyebi II, highlighted the dangers posed by illegal mining. He reaffirmed the chiefs’ commitment to supporting the government’s fight against the menace.
“We have been deeply concerned about the menace of galamsey, and we will welcome and cooperate with the government to fight it,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, the ministry has assured the National House of Chiefs of the government’s preparedness to address chieftaincy-related litigation issues that have plagued the institution.
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