Dormaahene Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II says illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey, has declined since the start of President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, but warned the practice remains a threat that must be eradicated.
Speaking in Accra on Thursday, October 2, after being sworn in alongside 20 others as a Justice of the Court of Appeal, the Dormaahene told journalists that while galamsey did not begin under the current government, recent interventions have helped curb its spread.
The traditional ruler credited new enforcement measures and local initiatives for the progress, noting that activities and actors that previously operated with impunity are now less visible.
Despite the progress, the Dormaahene cautioned against complacency, stressing that galamsey still exists and requires sustained action from government, the Minister for Lands, and the public.
He warned that in Dormaa there will be zero tolerance for illegal miners adding that he would personally arrest offenders and hand them over to the police for prosecution.
The Chief appealed to citizens to help protect Ghana’s natural resources and livelihoods. “This is the only thing our ancestors left for us so we don’t have to destroy our water bodies, cocoa farms and ensure that we do farming in the right way so we can all be happy,” he said.