|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The Chief of Anum-Asamankese Osabarima Essah Kwasi Mensah Bediako III, has raised a strong alarm over the devastating impact of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, and called on Ghanaians to rise above political, traditional and partisan interests to save the country’s forests, farmlands and water bodies.
The traditional leader warned that Ghana risks leaving behind an environmental disaster for future generations if urgent and sustained action is not taken to halt illegal mining activities.
Speaking at the 6th Akwasidae at Anum Ampene Kotoko Fie today Sunday 30th of August 2026, Osabarima Essah Bediako III stressed that the destruction of the environment must no longer be treated as the responsibility of government alone.
According to him, every Ghanaian has a stake in the fight, as the consequences of polluted rivers, destroyed forest reserves and degraded farmlands will ultimately affect the entire country.
We Must Act Now
The Chief called on traditional authorities, government officials, security agencies, religious bodies, civil society organisations and community leaders to join forces in confronting the menace.
He urged residents to support efforts to protect the environment and cautioned against shielding individuals who engage in illegal mining because of political, family or personal connections.
He maintained that the immediate financial gains from illegal mining cannot justify the long-term destruction being inflicted on the country’s natural resources.
Water Bodies Under Threat
Ampene Kotoko Chief expressed particular concern about the pollution and destruction of rivers and streams, noting that water remains one of Ghana’s most precious natural resources.
He warned that if the current trend continues unchecked, communities could face serious challenges in accessing safe and reliable sources of water.
Beyond water pollution, Osabarima Bediako III noted that illegal mining is also destroying agricultural lands and threatening the livelihoods of farmers who depend on the land for their survival.
Government Must Enforce the Law
The traditional leader, also Chief Inspector with the Ghana Police Service further called on government and state institutions responsible for regulating the mining sector to enforce the country’s laws firmly and consistently.
He stressed that the fight against galamsey must not be selective and should not be influenced by political affiliations or the status of individuals involved.
“As a Security Officer myself, I’m appealing to my colleague officers to intensify efforts to clamp down on illegal mining operations while ensuring that lawful mining activities are conducted in accordance with environmental regulations,” he appealed.
A Responsibility for All
The Chief said the solution to galamsey requires a collective national commitment.
He urged Ghanaians to stop looking at the issue through partisan lenses and instead consider the future of the country.
He encouraged community members to report illegal mining activities to the appropriate authorities and appealed to traditional leaders to use their influence to protect lands and water bodies within their jurisdictions.
The Osabarima Essah Kwasi Mensah Bediako III also called for greater public education on responsible mining and stronger collaboration between traditional authorities, local communities and government agencies.
What Kind of Ghana Are We Leaving Behind?
In a passionate appeal, the Chief urged Ghanaians to think beyond today’s economic benefits and consider the kind of environment they will leave for their children and grandchildren.
He stressed that development cannot be meaningful if it comes at the expense of the environment and the health and wellbeing of future generations.
The Chief’s warning adds to growing concerns across the country over the impact of illegal mining on Ghana’s water bodies, forests and agricultural lands.
He therefore urged all stakeholders to put the national interest first and work together to end the destruction.
“We may not be able to reverse everything that has already been destroyed, but we can choose to stop further destruction. The time to act is now,” he said.
For the Chief, the fight against galamsey is ultimately not about politics—it is about survival, responsible stewardship and the future of Ghana.
—
Source: Osei Agyei-Frontpageghana.com
