By: Alexander Afriyie
In the fight against illegal mining, or galamsey, in Ghana, one traditional leader stands out for his unwavering commitment to protecting the environment and his people. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has demonstrated remarkable courage and moral fortitude in confronting this menace head-on. Recently, he destooled three chiefs in the Sabronum area for their involvement in galamsey activities, sending a strong message about the importance of responsible leadership and environmental stewardship.
The Destoolment of the Chiefs
The three chiefs, Nana Awua Gyau Atuomi, Gyaasehene; Nana Tabiri Gyansah, Baamuhene; and Nana Osei Kwadwo, Akyeamehene, were found guilty of engaging in illegal mining activities after an investigation by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB). The Asantehene’s decision to destool them was met with approval from the community, which had been suffering from the environmental degradation caused by galamsey.
A Call to Action for State Prosecutorial Authorities
While the Asantehene’s actions are commendable, it is disheartening that the state prosecutorial authorities have yet to investigate and prosecute these chiefs for their alleged crimes. According to Article 995 of the Minerals and Mining Act, individuals convicted of illegal mining can face minimum sentences of 15 years and hefty fines for non-Ghanaians, and 20 years for foreigners. The Attorney General’s office has secured 76 convictions since August 2021, including that of notorious Chinese galamsey queen, Aisha Huang. It is imperative that the authorities take decisive action to hold these chiefs accountable and deter others from engaging in similar activities.
The Impact of Galamsey
Galamsey has had a devastating impact on Ghana’s environment, polluting water bodies and destroying forest reserves. The Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has noted that over 850 individuals are currently facing prosecution for galamsey-related offenses, with 140 cases being investigated across five regions. The government has pledged to address the issue through vigorous legal measures, but more needs to be done to protect the environment and the people.
The Asantehene’s crusade against g
alamsey is a beacon of hope in the fight against environmental degradation. His leadership sets an example for other traditional leaders and underscores the need for collective action to protect Ghana’s natural resources. As the state prosecutorial authorities move forward, it is crucial that they prioritize the investigation and prosecution of individuals involved in galamsey, including the destooled chiefs. Only through concerted efforts can Ghana effectively tackle this menace and ensure a sustainable future for its people and environment.