The Chief of Osino in the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area of the Eastern Region, Osabarima Otu Darko IV, has sent a clarion call to the government to include traditional rulers in mining communities in the fight against illegal mining, popularly called galamsey, stressing that any measures taken without their involvement would be doomed to fail.
Osabarima Otu Darko argued that President John Dramani Mahama must involve the traditional rulers to solve the problem of illegal mining in the country and safeguard polluted water bodies and lands.
He was addressing the media following a stakeholders’ meeting with community members at Osino.
The meeting aimed to review the previous year’s progress and devise strategies to combat illegal mining activities.
Osabarima Darko reiterated that by involving traditional rulers to tackle illegal mining, the government can tap into their influence and authority within their respective communities, adding that a collaborative approach can help raise awareness about the dangers of menace and mobilise community support for action.
Osabarima Darko expressed concern about the alarming trend of some community members accusing and blaming traditional chiefs, including himself, of colluding with foreigners to engage in illegal mining activities, adding that it makes it increasingly challenging for them to address the issue.
The Chief lamented that a distressing consequence of illegal mining was the failure of miners to cover the pits they left behind, resulting in the tragic loss of lives. He suggested that mining licenses be granted to traditional chiefs to regulate mining activities on their lands and ensure that the environment is properly reclaimed after mining operations cease.
Osaberima Darko emphasised that despite the government’s access to extensive resources and personnel, including the security services, efforts to curb illegal mining have been unsuccessful; however, he believed that if traditional chiefs are engaged in the process, the problem of illegal mining can be resolved.
Osaberima Darko made a passionate appeal to the Ghanaian youth, particularly those from Osino communities, to prioritise education and knowledge acquisition, and however urged them to shun illegal mining activities, which offer fleeting benefits but ultimately threaten their future.
Instead, the Chief encouraged the youth to explore alternative, lucrative opportunities that can bring prosperity without compromising the environment or their livelihoods. By doing so, they can secure a brighter future for themselves and generations to come.
Osaberima Darko also appealed to parents to prioritise their children’s education, emphasising the importance of supporting their wards’ academic development.
He stressed the need for parents to ensure that their children remain in school rather than dropping out to engage in illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey. By doing so, parents can help secure a brighter future for their children and break the cycle of poverty and environmental degradation associated with galamsay.
