John Mahama asks Western North chiefs to help combat illegal mining

President John Dramani Mahama has called on traditional leaders in the Western North Region to partner with the government in its intensified campaign against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. Addressing the Western North Regional House of Chiefs, the President emphasized that the destruction of forest reserves and water bodies has reached a critical stage that requires a unified national response. This engagement follows the President's recent electoral victory and serves as a key pillar in his administration’s strategy to restore the environment while addressing the root causes of illegal mining. To deter the youth from engaging in hazardous and illegal mining activities, President Mahama announced an ambitious plan to invest over $10 billion in job-rich sectors, specifically highlighting tourism as a viable alternative. He explained that economic hardship often drives young people into galamsey, and providing sustainable livelihood options is essential for a long-term solution. The President noted that while law enforcement is necessary, it must be coupled with economic opportunities that offer a better future for those currently dependent on the illegal trade. The government’s strategy also involves a more rigorous enforcement of existing mining laws and a comprehensive program for land reclamation. President Mahama urged the chiefs, as custodians of the land, to take an active role in monitoring mining activities within their jurisdictions and preventing the encroachment of miners into protected areas. He stressed that the preservation of Ghana's natural heritage is a collective responsibility that transcends political or local interests. In response, the traditional rulers of the Western North Regional House of Chiefs expressed their readiness to support the government's initiatives. They committed to working closely with state agencies to ensure national development and maintain peace. The chiefs acknowledged the devastating impact of galamsey on their communities and welcomed the government’s focus on alternative livelihoods as a constructive approach to a complex problem.