The Talensi Traditional Council, in accordance with its customary mandate and Ghanaian laws, has prohibited all mining activities within the Talensi Traditional Area without prior written consent from the Council and a valid licence from the Minerals Commission and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). This decision aims to regulate mining operations and ensure they are conducted in an environmentally sustainable manner. The Council's resolution follows an alarming increase in unauthorised mining activities.
The Council expressed concern over unauthorised mining groups, popularly known as galamsey, encroaching on farmlands, sacred sites, water bodies, and community lands without consent. These activities have caused severe environmental degradation, pollution of water sources, destruction of economic trees, and pose threats to public health and safety. The Council noted that such operations disregard customary procedures and bypass the authority of chiefs and Tindanas, leading to conflicts and insecurity in the Traditional Area.
According to the Council, the ban supports responsible, legal, and environmentally sustainable mining that creates jobs for the youth of Talensi and contributes to the development of the Traditional Area. The Council stated that any person who violates the resolution will be reported to law enforcement agencies for prosecution and will be liable to customary sanctions as determined by the Traditional Council.
The Council further resolved to enforce compulsory customary consent, protect sacred and protected areas, collaborate with state agencies, and set up a community monitoring committee. This committee will oversee the implementation of the ban and ensure that mining activities are conducted in accordance with the Council's resolutions and Ghanaian laws.
The resolution, signed by the President of the Traditional Council, Tongraan Kugbilsong Nalegbegtang, along with divisional chiefs, Tindanas, and queen mothers from the three zones of the Traditional Area, called on all citizens, residents, and investors to respect the directive. The Council emphasised that this directive is in the interest of peace, security, and sustainable development of Talensi.
The Talensi Traditional Council's decision reflects growing concerns over the impact of unauthorised mining on the environment and local communities in Ghana. The Council's efforts to regulate mining activities and promote sustainable practices have been welcomed by residents and stakeholders. The implementation of the ban will be closely monitored to ensure its effectiveness.
The ban on unauthorised mining in the Talensi Traditional Area is a significant step towards promoting responsible mining practices and protecting the environment. The Council's commitment to enforcing the ban and collaborating with state agencies will help to prevent further environmental degradation and ensure that mining activities contribute to the development of the Traditional Area.
Key points
- The Talensi Traditional Council has banned all unauthorised mining activities within its area to prevent environmental degradation and threats to public health.
- The Council supports responsible, legal, and environmentally sustainable mining that creates jobs and contributes to the development of the Traditional Area.
- The Council will enforce compulsory customary consent, protect sacred areas, and collaborate with state agencies to ensure the ban's effectiveness.
