Mahama seeks chiefs’ help against galamsey after deaths in enforcement clashes
The President says resistance to anti-illegal mining operations has led to confrontations in which soldiers discharged firearms and people died. He is urging traditional leaders to support enforcement, alongside alternative livelihoods for affected communities.
President John Dramani Mahama has appealed to chiefs to help prevent deadly confrontations during Ghana’s fight against illegal mining, saying some enforcement operations have met resistance from residents and traditional authorities.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Western North Regional House of Chiefs to the Jubilee House, he said there had been incidents in which soldiers discharged firearms, resulting in deaths.
Mahama also said enforcement against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, must be accompanied by alternative livelihood opportunities for affected communities.
The President called for closer cooperation between traditional leaders, government and security agencies, particularly in efforts to protect forest reserves and water bodies.
He said chiefs’ relationships with residents and influence within their traditional areas made their support critical to the campaign.
“We need the help of our chiefs in the fight against galamsey because you live
in the community with the people,” he said.
Mahama acknowledged the work of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), but said resistance in some communities was undermining its operations.
He said there were occasions when young people and traditional authorities confronted enforcement teams entering their communities.
“There are incidents where the soldiers have had to discharge firearms, which resulted in a few deaths. We want to avoid that,” he said.
Mahama urged chiefs to help secure community cooperation with enforcement teams, with particular emphasis on operations against mining in forests and water bodies.
His appeal places traditional authorities at the centre of efforts to reduce confrontations while sustaining the crackdown. He also highlighted the need to create other ways for affected residents to earn a living.
However, the account provides no details of specific livelihood programmes, their funding or when they would become available.
Illegal mining remains a major environmental concern in Ghana. Activities associated with the practice contribute to the destruction of forest cover, land degradation and pollution of water resources.
That damage threatens natural resources and the livelihoods of communities that depend on them.