Adweso Tufuhene urges chiefs to lead fight against galamsey

By Solomon Nartey Tetteh

The Tufuhene of Adweso, Nana Bekoe Dankwa, has called on traditional leaders across the country to take greater responsibility in the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

Speaking on Business Breakfast on Zed 101.9, Nana Dankwa stressed that chiefs are the true custodians of the land and therefore bear the primary duty of safeguarding it from destructive practices.

“There is no miner who can begin operations without first going through a process that involves a chief. That makes traditional leaders the first line of responsibility. The land belongs to us, and we are its custodians,” he said.

Nana Dankwa further pointed out that Ghana’s indigenous knowledge systems have long empowered chiefs to issue directives that protect communal welfare and natural resources.

Citing an example, he recalled how paramount chiefs have historically imposed restrictions during major events, such as the burial of the Asantehemaa, when movement was curtailed by traditional command.

According to him, these same powers can and should be exercised today to help stop galamsey and preserve the environment for future generations.

“Our responsibility is to protect the land. Paramount chiefs like the Asantehene, Okyenhene, Dormaahene and others can issue strong directives to halt these activities. These practices have always been part of our culture, and they can be applied to end illegal mining,” Nana  Dankwa emphasised.

He also made a candid admission that many traditional leaders and government officials are complicit in illegal mining.

Nana Dankwa said chiefs hold their positions as custodians of the land and are expected to protect it.

However, he revealed that some chiefs and state officials are directly involved in galamsey activities, making it difficult to tackle the menace.

“The truth is, most chiefs are involved in galamsey. That is why they find it difficult to stop it. We all know those who are doing it. They are part of it because of selfish interests,” Nana Dankwa stated.

The traditional leader warned that prioritising personal gain over environmental stewardship is destroying communities and depriving future generations of their inheritance.

“We need to think about the generations coming after us. We must leave a legacy that benefits them, not one that makes them suffer,” he added.

Nana Dankwa also accused some government officials of colluding with illegal miners and ignoring the proper channels, noting that their actions do not benefit the people but instead worsen hardships in mining communities.