The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has expressed confidence in traditional authorities’ ability to help combat illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
Speaking on Adom TV’s Badwam, Mr. Ibrahim highlighted the influential role of traditional leaders in their communities, emphasizing their crucial role in the fight against galamsey.
He cited the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s decisive action in holding his sub-chiefs accountable for their involvement in galamsey as proof of the power traditional leaders can wield.
However, the Banda MP lamented that chiefs currently lack the power to take direct action against illegal miners operating in their jurisdictions.
He noted that some illegal miners secure permits from government agencies, leaving chiefs powerless despite the destruction in their communities.
“The state has taken away the power of the chiefs, so how would they act? How come Otumfuo is able to control galamsey and even sack chiefs but the other chiefs can’t? If chiefs were given the power to summon illegal miners in their jurisdictions, we would make significant progress. The Minister of Lands and the Forestry Commission sit in Accra and grant permits, and when chiefs call miners to account, they refuse to come. What can the chiefs do?” he questioned.
Mr. Ibrahim called for an amendment to Section 63(B) of the Minerals and Mining Act to empower chiefs in the fight against illegal mining.
Meanwhile, in response to allegations of some chiefs being complicit in galamsey, the minister urged citizens with evidence to come forward.
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