By King Amoah
As Ghana continues to grapple with the detrimental effects of illegal mining, a section of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporters in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, have shifted focus onto some raditional chiefs urging authorities to hold them accountable for allegedly promoting galamsey activities.
These illegal mining operations have severely impacted water bodies, forest reserves and threatening the country’s environmental health and sustainability.
According to the activists of the Npp and a supporter of the Ndc, for generations chiefs in Ghana have been custodians of the lands entrusted with protecting natural resources and ensuring the well being of their communities.
However, the current wave of illegal mining signals a troubling departure from this noble tradition.
Mr. Delali Appiah, a self identified activist from Bantama constituency of the New Patriotic Party , and Kofi Kingston, an NPP stalwart from Kwadaso, openly criticized some chiefs for accepting financial inducements that facilitate illegal mining activities on their lands.
- Certain chiefs are complicit in the destruction of Ghana’s environment. They hand over lands to illegal miners in exchange for alleged bribes, creating a loophole that undermines national efforts to safeguard our water bodies and forests, said Mr. Appiah.
Both activists emphasized that some chiefs are often quick to blame the government for the galamsey menace and conveniently forgetting their central role in enabling such operations.
Similar sentiments were echoed by some political figures across party lines.
At Obuasi Tutuka and Offinso both towns in the Ashanti region,, King Ampofo of the NDC and Ralph Musah an NPPist condemned chiefs who receive money to turn a blind eye to the destruction of lands, water sources, and forest reserves.
They warned that future generations would not forgive those who prioritize short term financial gains over environmental stewardship especially when they later shift blames onto government agencies.
Government authorities they said take steps to issue proper mining licenses and implement environmental safeguards.
Yet, the persistence of galamsey activities on lands under chiefs’ control exposes critical gaps in enforcement and oversight.
How many chiefs apart from those opposing illegal mining, have taken any tangible steps like arresting illegal miners on their lands?
Most only collect their payoffs and remain silent, Mr. Appiah noted adding that the unchecked promotion of illegal mining by some chiefs is a violation of environmental laws and a direct threat to Ghana’s ecological balance.
The NPP supporters are calling for urgent and decisive action against such traditional leaders who fail in their stewardship roles. They insist that chiefs found facilitating illegal mining must be made to face prosecution and other legal consequences to serving as a deterrent to others.
This call for accountability comes amid growing anxiety over the irreversible damage to water bodies, forest reserves, and agricultural lands—resources vital to the health, food security, and economic prosperity of Ghana.
Without addressing the complicity of these unlawful gatekeepers, efforts to combat galamsey are unlikely to succeed.
In conclusion the political party’s activists indicated that as Ghana continue its battle against illegal mining, the role of chiefs cannot be overlooked.
Traditional leaders must recommit to their sworn duty of protecting the land and its resources. When they fail, the law must step in firmly, to ensure that neither environmental destruction nor impunity is tolerated.
Only through collectiv responsibility and enforcement can Ghana safeguard its natural heritage for present and future generations.
