The Mamponghene in the Akuapem Traditional Council of the Eastern Region, Osaberima Kwame Otu Dartey III, has bemoaned the escalation of illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as galamsey, in the country.
He noted that the fight against the galamsey menace should be a shared responsibility by all Ghanaians, particularly traditional leaders who are the custodians of the lands released for the practices.
“We have traditional leaders across all the mining areas but have failed to speak against the illegal mining activities happening on their soil, and it is about time they wake up from their slumber and join forces in combating the galamseyers to protect our lands, forests, and water bodies for the generations yet to come,” said Mamponghene.
Osaberima Otu Dartey III remarked that the people of Akuapem do not engage in galamsey activities, yet this does not deter them from speaking out against it, as unchecked illegal mining could jeopardize the nation’s future if proactive measures are not taken to address the issue.
He made these statements during the celebration of the Mampong-Akuapem 2025 Ohum Festival, themed: “Ensuring Sustainable Use Of Our Natural Resources; The Role of Traditional Leaders.”
Osaberima Kwame Dartey III further stated that traditional leaders must continuously remind the government to formulate and implement plans to curtail the operations of galamsey activities, highlighting that Ghanaians cannot afford to import water for daily use due to the selfish desires of a few.
The Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah described the festival’s theme as both timely and visionary.
According to her, it addresses one of the pressing challenges of our time: how to manage Ghana’s God-given natural resources in a manner that benefits both current and future generations.
“Ghana is blessed with abundant natural resources, yet these resources are under increasing pressure from human activities such as illegal mining, deforestation, pollution, and unsustainable farming practices,” noted the minister.
The Minister, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for La Dadekotopon constituency in Greater Accra, stressed the importance of decisive and collective action.
‘If we fail to act, the land that has sustained our ancestors and communities may no longer be able to nourish future generations. Sustainable resource management is therefore not merely an option; it is an obligation to secure a better future,’ Madam Sowah added.
By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.
Source// Obohnewsonline.com.
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