The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has called on chiefs and traditional leaders to take an active role in combating illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
During his first meeting with the Western Regional House of Chiefs in Sekondi, Armah-Kofi Buah stressed that his agenda is not about replacing small-scale miners affiliated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) with those from the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Instead, he reaffirmed his commitment to eradicating illegal mining and safeguarding the environment.
He revealed that the government intends to involve chiefs in the mining licensing process, recognizing their significant influence in local communities.
He also appealed for their full support to ensure the success of the anti-galamsey campaign.
“As a son of the soil, I have come here to seek your blessings in navigating the ministry and to ask for your utmost support to help us reset this nation for good and for generations yet unborn,” he stated.
Armah-Kofi Buah emphasized that addressing illegal mining and environmental degradation requires the active participation of traditional authorities.
The chiefs, in response, commended the Minister for his engagement and urged a review of the Community Mines initiative.
They proposed restructuring it into a genuine community-owned model, empowering local communities to take responsibility for preventing the destruction caused by illegal mining.
