The Ghana Coalition against Galamsey (GCAG) says it has noted with utter disappointment the position of the National House of Chiefs conveyed through its president, purporting to reject any ban on all forms of mining. 

The GCAG notes the House of Chiefs' notable silence and its belated position, now published.

"The National House of Chiefs has regrettably reinforced and incentivised the rampant and wanton destruction of Ghana's environment and the commonwealth bequeathed to us by our forebears", the coalition said in a statement released on Monday September 23.

The Coalition indicated that, the seemingly rather shocking endorsement of illegal mining is particularly worrisome considering the constitutional mandate entrusted the body to act as custodians of the customary resources of the various communities led by its members.

"In this regard, the Coalition especially calls to mind the contradictory posture of the House contained in its earlier statement dated the 6th day of February 2024 and that of today."

The Coalition added, it is aware that some chiefs have been complicit in the ongoing poisoning of water bodies and destruction of farmlands in the name of galamsey. 

"The House of Chiefs' seeming opportunistic posture places this body on the wrong side of history as Ghana fights for its very life."

"We accordingly call on the National House of Chiefs to clarify its position on the specific question of galamsey."

"As custodians of the customary resources of the various communities, the House has a crucial role to play in protecting these resources from the ravages of illegal mining", the statement stressed.

The coalition urged the Chiefs to join more forcefully the forces of opposition to the menace that threatens the very lives of their subjects and those of posterity, adding that,

"We believe that with the right actions, a positive change is not only possible but inevitable."

The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) comprises coalitions and a network of organisations from 10 blocks: the Media, Labour, Religious Groups, Youth Groups, Research and academia.

The rest are Pressure Groups, CSOs and Professional bodies, Traditional Leaders, and Business bodies. 

The Coalition is a common platform for all 'Against Galamsey Groups' (AGG) to harmonise advocacy and social action interventions in the fight against galamsey.

The group says, the focus of the campaign against illegal mining activities is not limited to gold exploitation, but includes all mining offences committed under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) based on the premise that the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, states that any mining activity that takes place without ratification by Parliament is illegal.

Sompaonline.com/Akua Nyarko Abronoma