The President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, has accused some traditional leaders and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) of engaging in illegal mining, saying their alleged involvement is undermining efforts to combat the galamsey menace.
He said the participation of some chiefs and local government authorities in illegal mining was frustrating the collective efforts to protect the environment and enforce regulations against the destructive practice.
Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II made the allegations while chairing a national conference for MMDCEs on illegal small-scale mining, organised by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
He disclosed that he had taken disciplinary action against chiefs under his authority who were involved in illegal mining, including causing their arrest to demonstrate his commitment to the fight.
“I caused the arrest of all of my chiefs because they were involved in illegal mining. They pleaded with me and they signed bonds,” he said.
The National House of Chiefs President also turned his attention to the MMDCEs, warning that some local government leaders were equally implicated in the galamsey business despite their responsibility to support efforts to address the menace.
“Just as Nana, from Nana also involved,” he added, pointing to what he described as the involvement of traditional leaders in the illegal mining activities.
His remarks highlight concerns about the commitment of some influential traditional and political authorities to the fight against illegal mining, particularly at the local level, where enforcement and community mobilisation are critical to protecting water bodies, forests and other natural resources.
The conference brought together MMDCEs to discuss measures to strengthen local government participation in the fight against illegal small-scale mining and promote environmental protection.
Source: Newspyramid.com
