The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, has called on traditional leaders to take an active role in the fight against illegal mining. Speaking at a meeting with the National House of Chiefs in Kumasi on Thursday 13th February, 2025, he emphasized the devastating impact of galamsey on Ghana’s environment and water bodies, stressing that chiefs must use their influence to curb the menace.
Hon. Ibrahim announced the government’s plan to amend the Chieftaincy Act to restore the power of chiefs to summon individuals engaged in illegal mining and other harmful activities.
He noted that a Supreme Court’s ruling had limited this authority, but the amendment would empower chiefs to enforce accountability within their jurisdictions.
He further assured the chiefs of government’s commitment to working closely with traditional leaders to develop sustainable solutions to illegal mining. According to him, protecting natural resources is a shared responsibility, and chiefs, as custodians of the land, have a crucial role to play in safeguarding the environment for future generations.
The Minister also encouraged chiefs to collaborate with local assemblies to strengthen enforcement measures. He stressed that without their full involvement, the fight against illegal mining would remain incomplete, urging them to take a firm stand against the practice.
Hon. Ibrahim reechoed the government’s unwavering support for the chieftaincy institution, assuring traditional leaders that their contributions in the fight against illegal mining would be met with concrete action and policy backing.
Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann
(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)