By King Amoah.
In recent years, the issue of environmental destruction in Ghana has come to the forefront of public discourse, particularly in relation to illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as “Galamsey.”
While politicians, including President Nana Akufo-Addo, have been held accountable for the environmental me dilemmas facing the nation, a local miner from Manso Nkwanta, Yaw Sirebour, offers a compelling argument: the real culprits behind the environmental degradation may not be the politicians but the local chiefs and land custodians who engage in corrupt practices.
Sirebour’s perspective sheds light on a complex and often overlooked aspect of the illegal mining industry.
Speaking in an interview, he asserts that local chiefs, who traditionally hold the rights to land, play a significant role in enabling illegal mining by accepting bribes from miners
In exchange for financial gain, these custodians of the land turn a blind eye to the destruction caused by unregulated mining operations.
He said in many parts of Ghana, land is owned and managed by traditional authorities, including chiefs.
These local leaders are meant to be the guardians of their communities’ resources, ensuring sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.
However, according to Sirebour, the reality is often quite different. He claims that some chiefs prioritize short-term monetary gains over the long-term health of the environment and the welfare of their communities.
The issue is exacerbated by the fact that the lure of gold can lead to a cycle of corruption and complications in governance.
Miners often approach chiefs with tempting offers of money, leading to an inevitable compromise in the protection of the environment.
As a result, vast swathes of land have been destroyed, rivers polluted, and ecosystems disrupted, all facilitated by those who were supposed to protect them.
Sirebour’s remarks prompt a necessary dialogue about accountability and responsibility within the sphere of environmental conservation.
He related that while political leaders must be held accountable for their policies and enforcement of laws, the role of local custodians should not be overlooked.
Stressing that It is imperative to recognize that the power dynamics established at the local level significantly affect broader environmental outcomes.
Rather than solely directing criticism at the government, Sirebour advocates for a more nuanced understanding of the issue.
He suggests that communities should demand transparency and integrity from their chiefs, holding them accountable for their actions, or lack thereof, in managing the land.
According to him this shift in accountability is crucial for fostering sustainable practices and protecting the environment.
Sirebour posited that while President Akufo-Addo and governmental policies play a critical role in addressing the challenges posed by illegal mining, it is crucial to recognize that the issue is more complex than a single narrative of blame.
Yaw Sirebour’s insights highlight the need to hold local chiefs accountable for their stewardship of the land.
By shifting the focus and fostering collaboration between local authorities, miners, and government officials, Ghana can pave the way for a more sustainable approach to natural resource management that protects both its environment and its people.
