Coalition against galamsey descends on House of Chiefs president over galamsey comment

The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) has expressed disappointment over a recent comment made by the President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahohuo Yaw Gyebi II, purporting to reject any ban on all forms of mining in the country.

The President of the House of Chiefs who also doubles as paramount chief of the Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area, during the inauguration of a new Minerals Commission office in the Western North Region, cautioned that a ban on galamsey could result in Ghana losing millions of dollars.

His comment is in sharp contrast with recent calls made by experts and recently, the GCAG, which comprises various coalitions and organizations from 10 different sectors requesting a ban on mining to halt the destruction of river bodies and forest reserves in the country.

But in a statement by CACG reacting to comments made by Ogyeahohuo Yaw Gyebi II, the group asked for the House of Chiefs to declare its stance on illegal mining, also known as galamsey.

As the traditional custodians of the country’s natural resources, the coalition emphasizes that the House has a responsibility to guide the galamsey crisis.

“We accordingly call on the National House of Chiefs to clarify its position on the specific question of galamsey. As custodians of the customary resources of the various communities, the House has a crucial role to play in protecting these resources from the ravages of illegal mining.

“We urge them to join more forcefully the forces of opposition to the menace that threatens the very lives of their subjects and those of posterity,” the coalition’s statement read in part.

Below is the full statement.

The Ghana Coalition against Galamsey, with a sense of pressing urgency, has noted with utter disappointment 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.

Should this statement be correctly understood the way it is relayed, the Coalition notes that the National House of Chiefs has regrettably reinforced and incentivised the rampant and wanton destruction of Ghana’s environment and the commonwealth bequeathed to us by our forebears.

The seemingly rather shocking endorsement of illegal mining is particularly worrisome considering the constitutional mandate entrusted the body to act as custodians of the customary resources of the various communities led by its members. In this regard, the Coalition especially calls to mind the contradictory posture of the House contained in its earlier statement dated the 6th day of February 2024 (a copy enclosed) and that of today!

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.

We accordingly call on the National House of Chiefs to clarify its position on the specific question of galamsey. As custodians of the customary resources of the various communities, the House has a crucial role to play in protecting these resources from the ravages of illegal mining. We urge them to join more forcefully the 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.