In a decisive move to combat illegal mining, Osagyefo Oseadeyo Agyemang Badu II, the President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, has issued a four-week ultimatum to the Ghanaian government to put an end to this destructive activity.

His message was clear: should the government fail to act within the timeframe, the chiefs of the Bono Region will take matters into their own hands by reclaiming their lands and barring all forms of mining.

This strong warning was delivered during a courtesy call paid by John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), to the Bono Regional House of Chiefs.

Osagyefo Oseadeyo Agyemang Badu II, who is also the Dormaahene (Chief of Dormaa), emphasized the urgent need for immediate action to halt galamsey, which has become a national crisis. The environmental degradation caused by illegal mining has become one of the most pressing challenges in Ghana today, affecting water bodies, farmlands, and forest reserves.

“We’re giving this incumbent government one month to use legal means to stop people involved in this galamsey. The government should deploy police and soldiers into the forests to stop them.
“If the government fails to do this, the land is ours, we will just reclaim it and we won’t allow any sort of mining to take place.”
Osagyefo Oseadeyo Agyemang Badu II, Dormaahene

The President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs’ call for action is not isolated. Across the nation, individuals and organizations have increasingly sounded the alarm on the devastating effects of galamsey on Ghana’s environment and economy.

Illegal mining operations, primarily carried out by small-scale miners, have wreaked havoc on the country’s river systems, forests, and agricultural lands, jeopardizing the future of key sectors such as agriculture, water supply, and public health.

One of the most serious consequences of galamsey is the destruction of water bodies. Rivers that once provided clean drinking water for communities have turned murky, contaminated by chemicals such as mercury and cyanide used in mining operations.

This environmental destruction has led to fears of an impending water crisis. According to environmental experts, if galamsey activities are not curtailed, Ghana could face a situation where it may need to import potable water within the next six years.

The ultimatum from Osagyefo Oseadeyo Agyemang Badu II adds a new layer of pressure on the incumbent government, which has faced mounting criticism for its perceived inaction in the fight against illegal mining.

While the government has launched several initiatives and task forces aimed at curbing galamsey, these efforts have been criticized for their limited success and lack of enforcement in some areas. Many communities continue to grapple with the direct impact of illegal mining, while affected rivers and forests remain degraded.

Nationwide Calls for Action

Other prominent groups have also joined the growing chorus calling for decisive government action on galamsey.

On September 6, 2024, the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), together with other health unions and associations, issued a public appeal to President Nana Akufo-Addo, urging him to impose an immediate and complete ban on all small-scale mining, both legal and illegal.

The health organizations expressed deep concern over the deteriorating state of Ghana’s water bodies and forests, which they argue poses severe public health risks.

The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has been particularly vocal, issuing a stern statement demanding an immediate and total ban on illegal mining activities.

UTAG’s statement highlighted the disastrous impact of galamsey on the nation’s environment, economy, and future generations. The association warned that if the government does not impose the ban by the end of the month, it would embark on a nationwide strike in conjunction with other labor unions.

John Mahama’s visit to the Bono Regional House of Chiefs comes at a critical time in the political landscape, as environmental issues like galamsey are likely to be key topics in the upcoming elections.

The former president has also spoken out against illegal mining, framing it as a national emergency that requires stronger enforcement and collaboration between local communities and the central government.

The Dormaahene’s message is a reminder of the pivotal role traditional leaders continue to play in Ghanaian society, especially in matters related to land, environment, and community well-being.

His ultimatum underscores the urgency of the galamsey crisis and the need for swift and decisive action to protect Ghana’s natural heritage for future generations.