In Ghana, chiefs and traditional rulers are revered as the custodians of our lands. From rural villages to urban centres, chiefs hold sway over large and small territories, commanding immense respect and influence over the lives of their people.
However, amidst the country’s escalating illegal mining (galamsey) crisis, several Ghanaians have raised a critical question, demanding how and why chiefs, despite being such powerful figures, are silent on such an existential issue.
Manasseh Azure Awuni, an ace investigative journalist, in a compelling statement, raised a provocative question that echoes the sentiments of many concerned Ghanaians.
“Why do our chiefs, so powerful in every aspect of their reign, seem powerless in the face of galamsey—a destructive menace that is not only threatening our environment but also the future of their people?
Manasseh Azure Awuni, Ace Investigative Journalist
The Power of Chiefs: Unquestionable and Untouchable
In his statement, Manasseh pointed out that in Ghana, the relationship between land and chiefs is symbiotic, adding that when individuals or organizations need land for farming, construction, or development, they must seek the approval and authority of the traditional rulers.
He posited that chiefs are gatekeepers to the land, yet rarely are they asked to account for the proceeds of its sale, asserting that anyone daring enough to question them often faces severe repercussions, including ostracism from the community.
“Chiefs are extremely powerful in Ghana. I have lived in both rural and urban areas, and I know that a chief is rarely disrespected, even if he rules over a small village. Powerful chiefs, whose jurisdictions cover the big cities in Ghana, can lock down the cities, disrupt commercial activities or ban noise-making. Churches and everyone must obey”.
Manasseh Azure Awuni, Ace Investigative Journalist
Additionally, Manasseh opined that even politicians and the media tread carefully around chiefs, arguing that a chief’s hostile statement against a political party or politician would send that politician scrambling to make peace, even if the chief’s position is irrational.
According to him, the fear of chiefs runs deep—perhaps because it is widely understood that crossing them has dire consequences.
In the view of the renowned and award-winning investigative journalist, law enforcement, similarly, approaches chiefs with deference, adding that the idea of arresting a chief, particularly a powerful one, is nearly inconceivable.
“A recent example up north failed, and many questioned the wisdom of the government to even suggest it in the first place”, Manasseh remarked.
The Deafening Silence on Galamsey
Given this formidable power, Manasseh Azure Awuni wondered why these same chiefs remained silent while illegal mining ravaged their lands.
He noted that the forests, farmlands, and water bodies—key resources under their custodianship—are being decimated, yet when it comes to galamsey, their usual strength seems to evaporate.
Manasseh further insisted that it is not as though chiefs lack the influence to act, positing that if a chief can ban political parties from campaigning in their jurisdiction, what stops them from making such bold declarations against galamsey?
“If the chiefs told the politicians not to campaign in their jurisdictions until they dealt with the illegal mining menace, would the politicians ignore them? Manasseh asked.
Complicity or Powerlessness?
Manasseh rightly pointed out that chiefs, powerful as they are against individuals and institutions, seem to lose all their power when it comes to galamsey, asking why.
He quizzed whether it is a matter of complicity or are they, too, benefiting from the proceeds of these illicit activities or is it that the forces behind illegal mining are too strong, even for the mighty chiefs.
Accountability Must Start with Our Chiefs
For Manasseh, the country is indeed under siege from illegal mining, and it is no longer acceptable for chiefs to look the other way.
According to him, the responsibility of leadership does not stop at maintaining order or ensuring that laws are followed, asserting that it extends to protecting the very essence of what makes communities thrive: the land and natural resources.
“It is said that to whom much is given, must is expected. The nation is under a severe threat from illegal mining. There is no greater affront to the authority of a chief and worse attack against his people than the destruction of the land that feeds his subjects and the water bodies that sustain them”.
Manasseh Azure Awuni, Ace Investigative Journalist
The Ace Investigative Journalist in conclusion, while advocating for the need for citizens to demand accountability from their elected leaders, also underscored the need for other key interest groups, especially traditional leaders, including chiefs, not to be exempted from similar fire of accountability.
Their silence, Manasseh argued, can be interpreted as tacit approval of the destruction taking place under their watch.
Given the above, it is obvious that the call for accountability in the galamsey fight cannot exclude the powerful chiefs who hold sway over the lands being destroyed.
Manasseh’s reflections challenge the country to reconsider the role of these traditional rulers.
If chiefs can wield power over every aspect of their jurisdiction, from social activities to political campaigns, then they must use the same power to stop the galamsey menace, or risk being remembered not as protectors of the land, but as those who stood by while it was destroyed.
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