Professor Emmanuel Acheampong, Dean of the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has called for greater involvement of traditional leaders in Ghana's fight against illegal mining, known locally as galamsey. He believes that government approaches have failed to end the menace, which continues to ravage forests and water bodies. Acheampong argues that traditional authorities could play a critical role in helping communities protect their lands and natural resources.
According to Professor Acheampong, the government alone cannot sustain the fight against illegal mining. He emphasizes that chiefs are the closest authority in communities plagued with illegal mining, highlighting their importance in changing the behavior of residents to militate against the menace. Acheampong made these comments on the sidelines of the AIM4Forest program by the Food and Agriculture Organisation.
Some traditional leaders have been directly involved in community resistance to galamsey. In the Ashanti and Bono regions, chiefs have stood vehemently against mining activities. For instance, in April, chiefs and residents of Berekum organized a protest against illegal mining, with some traditional leaders calling for the protection of their lands and water bodies.
Engaging traditional leaders could help alleviate assertions that illegal mining is the only source of livelihood. Professor Acheampong notes that when communities are educated on the negative impacts of illegal mining, they will appreciate the essence of environmental stewardship. This, he believes, can lead to a change in behavior and a reduction in galamsey activities.
Communities, when informed about the consequences of galamsey, can become important partners in protecting natural resources. Professor Acheampong argues that chiefs and community members must understand that the destruction of forests, farms, and water bodies will affect future generations. This understanding can foster a sense of responsibility and ownership among community members.
The issue of galamsey has been a persistent challenge in Ghana, with various stakeholders calling for a multi-faceted approach to address the problem. While the government has implemented measures to combat galamsey, these efforts have been met with limited success. The involvement of traditional leaders is seen as a crucial step in addressing the root causes of the problem.
The KNUST Professor's suggestion has resonated with some stakeholders, who believe that traditional leaders can play a vital role in promoting environmental conservation. By working together with community members and traditional leaders, it is hoped that Ghana can make progress in addressing the scourge of galamsey and promoting sustainable development.
Key points
- Traditional leaders can play a critical role in helping communities protect their lands and natural resources.
- Educating communities on the negative impacts of illegal mining can lead to a change in behavior and a reduction in galamsey activities.
- The involvement of traditional leaders is seen as a crucial step in addressing the root causes of galamsey.
