Galamsey has reduced under Mahama – Dormaahene

The Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, says illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey, has reduced since the start of President John Dramani Mahama’s administration.

He cautioned, however, that the practice remains a serious threat that must be eradicated.

Speaking in Accra on Thursday, October 2, after being sworn in with 20 others as a Justice of the Court of Appeal, the Dormaahene told journalists that although galamsey did not begin under the current government, recent interventions have helped curb its spread.

“I have been on this stool for almost 26 and a half years. Galamsey — the illegal mining — did not start yesterday; it’s been with us for some time. If you ask me about my assessment, I will say now it is going down,” he said.

He credited enforcement measures and local initiatives for the progress, noting that operators who previously acted with impunity are now less visible.

Despite the progress, the Dormaahene stressed that vigilance must continue.

“I wouldn’t stand here and say galamsey is gone; it is still with us but I believe that if you look at the seriousness… we should ensure that we nip this situation in the bud,” he warned.

He declared zero tolerance for illegal miners in Dormaa, saying he would personally arrest offenders for prosecution, and urged citizens to help protect Ghana’s natural resources.

“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 added.

The Dormaahene stressed the need for traditional leaders to take an active role in the fight, urging chiefs to use their authority within their jurisdictions to help curb the menace.

He also cautioned illegal miners that they were destroying both the environment and themselves, warning that enforcement must be strict and offenders punished.

“I want to appeal to the chiefs, we the chiefs, we shouldn’t say we don’t have the power. If somebody is not allowing people to do galamsey, why can’t you do it? In Dormaa, if you come there, I will arrest you and give you to the police so that you will be prosecuted.

They should ensure that the people do not engage in galamsey, because if you do it and you are arrested, you know the consequences already,” he said.