The Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, has observed a decline in illegal small-scale mining, locally called galamsey, since President John Dramani Mahama assumed office.
Speaking to reporters in Accra on Thursday after his swearing-in as a Justice of the Court of Appeal, the traditional ruler reflected on the long-standing challenge of illegal mining and efforts to address it.
“I have been on this stool for almost 26 and a half years. Galamsey did not start yesterday; it has been with us for some time. But now it is going down,” he said.
He noted that before the current administration, illegal miners had encroached on protected areas, but recent measures have reduced their activities.
“Before this regime came, nine forest reserves had been taken over. Now that situation has been curbed. I wouldn’t stand here and say galamsey is gone; it is still with us. We should ensure that we nip this situation in the bud,” he cautioned.
The Dormaahene also stressed the importance of protecting natural resources for future generations.
“This is the only thing our ancestors left for us, so we don’t have to destroy our water bodies and cocoa farms. We must farm the right way so we can all be happy,” he urged.
He attributed the decline to tighter enforcement and local initiatives that have limited the operations of illegal miners who once acted with little resistance.
