Chiefs and Islamic clerics in the Fanteakwa District of the Eastern Region have sent a stern warning to illegal miners (galamseyers), particularly, those mining in the Birim River, to immediately remove their changfan machines and vacate the area peacefully.
The directive also applies to those mining illegally in the forest reserves and along highways, with severe consequences awaiting non-compliant individuals.
Call to action
At a durbar in Osino on Friday, October 11, 2024, the traditional leaders and Islamic clerics pledged to spearhead the fight against illegal mining, ensuring the arrest and prosecution of offenders
Organized by the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM), the event focused on promoting sustainable mining practices under the theme “Sustainable Small-Scale Mining for National Development”. It brought together key stakeholders such as religious leaders, government officials, and licensed small-scale miners.
Devastating Impact of galamsey
According to the Chiefs and Islamic clerics, the effects of galamsey extend beyond environmental degradation, stressing that it undermines local customs and lifestyles.
“We can’t stop mining, but it must be done responsibly and sustainably. River bodies and forest reserves are red zones; get licensed and trained to mine responsibly”, Osabarima Okogyeaman Apagya V underscored.
He added “Anytime there are issues about mining, the chiefs are blamed. This time around, we the chiefs have resolved to assist the government to clamp down galamseyers. So, all those with changfans mining in river bodies, particularly, in the Birim River, if you don’t want to incur our wrath, remove the changfans and go home peacefully”.
A United Front
Led by Osabarima Okogyeaman Apagya V, Chief of Apapam, the traditional authorities and the Islamic clerics assured of partnering the military and GNASSM taskforce and monitoring units deployed by the government to clamp down on illegal miners. He urged the people to desist from politicizing the galamsey menace, noting that the fight against illegal mining is a collective responsibility.
Alhaji Abdul Rahman, Chief Imam of Nsutam urged the licensed miners to unite against galamseyers and reclaim mined lands, prioritizing environmental safeguarding and safe drinking water sources.
“Let us make the reclamation of the mined lands a priority. We must strive to safeguard our own environment. To those mining in the Birim River, please go peacefully because we are coming after you”, he underscored.
The Fanteakwa South District, carved out of the Fanteakwa District in 2018, is particularly vulnerable to the effects of galamsey. With Osino as its capital, the district covers 803 square kilometers and shares boundaries with Fanteakwa North District, Kwahu South District, East Akim Municipal, and Atiwa East District. The district has a population of 58,987, according to the 2021 Population and Housing Census.
The District Chief Executive of Fanteakwa South, Ernest Ofosu called for equity in the fight against illegal mining. He urged communities in the district to volunteer giving information to government officials as such information plays a critical role in the fight against illegal mining.
The General Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners, Godwin Armah, charged members of the association to prioritize responsible mining as there is life after mining.
He cautioned all sponsors benefiting from illegal mining to bring their activities to an end or face their wrath in the coming days.
Discussants pledged their full support to the fight against illegal mining.
