President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, is calling on the government to urgently involve traditional authorities in the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, warning that the menace is fast becoming a national security threat.
He warned that experiences from neighbouring countries and parts of South America show how illegal mining can evolve into organised armed groups, a situation he says Ghana must avoid.
Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II noted that some galamsey operators are already resisting law enforcement, making the involvement of chiefs—who are custodians of the land—critical in protecting water bodies, public health, and the environment.
Speaking at the general meeting of the house in Kumasi, the President of the National House of Chiefs also called for an immediate review of mining and timber royalties paid to traditional authorities.
Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II is proposing that one percent of the gross revenue of mining companies operating within traditional areas be retained to support local development.
He expressed concern over the deplorable state of infrastructure in many mining communities, describing it as a “curse” for resource-rich areas to remain underdeveloped despite the huge revenues generated from their lands and described the current royalty allocation as inadequate and urged government to address the issue as a matter of urgency.
Meanwhile, ahead of the Christmas festivities, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II has cautioned drivers to obey road traffic regulations, particularly by avoiding overspeeding, to help prevent avoidable road crashes during and after the festive season.
