The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has expressed deep disappointment and a strong sense of urgency regarding the recent stance of the National House of Chiefs, as communicated by its president, opposing any blanket ban on all forms of mining.
The Coalition also highlights the notable silence from the House of Chiefs on this issue and critiques the belated nature of their newly published position.
“Should this statement be correctly understood the way it is relayed, the Coalition notes that the National House of Chiefs has regrettably reinforced and incentivized the rampant and wanton destruction of Ghana’s environment and the commonwealth bequeathed to us by our forebears”.
The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey
The Coalition further expressed alarm at what it perceives to be a surprisingly tacit endorsement of illegal mining by the National House of Chiefs.
This stance, according to the Coalition, is especially concerning in light of the House’s constitutional responsibility to protect and safeguard the natural and customary resources of the communities under its leadership.
The Coalition emphasized that the chiefs are entrusted with the critical role of preserving the environmental and cultural heritage of their respective areas, making any support, direct or implied, for illegal mining activities both contradictory and deeply troubling.
The Coalition argued that by failing to unequivocally condemn illegal mining, the House of Chiefs risks undermining its own authority and credibility as guardians of the land.
The Coalition also stated that the House of Chiefs could also be seen as complicit in the destruction of the very resources they are mandated to protect for future generations.
In this regard, the Coalition drew particular attention to the contradictory positions expressed by the National House of Chiefs.
It recalled the House’s earlier statement, dated February 6, 2024 (a copy enclosed), in which the chiefs appeared to support efforts to curb illegal mining and protect natural resources.
However, the Coalition pointed out that this earlier stance sharply contrasts with the current position taken by the House of Chiefs, which seemingly opposes a blanket ban on mining activities.
Chiefs’ Complicity In Environmental Destruction
Furthermore, the Coalition acknowledged that it is well aware of the complicity of certain chiefs in the ongoing poisoning of water bodies and the destruction of farmlands under the guise of galamsey.
It pointed out that some traditional leaders have played a direct role in enabling these illegal mining activities, either through passive acquiescence or active involvement.
The Coalition argued that the National House of Chiefs’ seemingly opportunistic stance now places the institution on the wrong side of history, at a time when Ghana is engaged in a crucial battle for its survival.
As the country faces widespread environmental devastation and the collapse of vital ecosystems, the House of Chiefs’ failure to take a firm stand against galamsey is seen as a betrayal of its moral and constitutional responsibility.
The Coalition warned that history will not be kind to those who, in this critical moment, chose to align with destructive forces rather than protect the land and resources essential to the nation’s future.
“We accordingly call on the National House of Chiefs to clarify its position on the specific question of galamsey. As custodians of the customary resources of the various communities, the House has a crucial role to play in protecting these resources from the ravages of illegal mining”.
“We urge them to join more forcefully the forces of opposition to the menace that threatens the very lives of their subjects and those of posterity”.
The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey
The Coalition expressed its belief that with the right actions, meaningful change is not only possible but inevitable.
It emphasized that through decisive leadership and collective effort, the country can reverse the damage caused by illegal mining and restore both its environment and the livelihoods of affected communities.
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