The President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, has kicked against the ban on mining in the country and rather called for responsible mining.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Bibiani District office of the Minerals Commission in Western North, Ogyeahoho, reiterated commitment of the Chiefs to support government on the fight against illegal mining.
He emphasised that mining is a significant contributor to Ghana’s economy and argued that a total ban on mining would not be the best way to deal with galamsey.
“You all know I am against Galamsey, and I will continue to fight against it, but that should not prevent Ghanaians from engaging in mining activities. Gold is for us, but the right methods should be used to mine it. That is why there is an institution like the Minerals Commission that is responsible for regulating these activities,” he said.
His comment follows the calls by some groups for government to declare a state of emergency in mining areas and ban small-scale mining in the country. In the past few days, pressure has been mounted on government to take drastic action against illegal mining or galamsey which is destroying the water bodies in the country and posing several health risks.
However, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II urged government to focus on finding the appropriate measures to deal with galamsey rather than an outright ban on mining.
He contended that a total ban will lead to unemployment among the youth considering the available job opportunities small-scale mining provides.
“We are pleading to those calling for the declaration of a state of emergency, and those calling for a ban on mining should know the benefit the nation gets from mining. If we stop mining, most of our youth will be pushed out of jobs.
“We should adopt the right measures to regulate illegal mining so they can all do responsible mining. As for the mining, we will do it, but we will do it responsibly.”
