Convenor of the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining, Ing. Dr. Ken Ashigbey, has called on the National House of Chiefs to take a firm stance against traditional leaders who aid or enable illegal mining activities.
Speaking on The Key Points on TV3 on Saturday, October 11, Dr. Ashigbey said the fight against galamsey cannot succeed if some chiefs continue to facilitate the destruction of lands under their custodianship.
“We need the National House of Chiefs to start calling out Chiefs who are complicit in the illegal mining activity. We may also have to consider confiscating lands from chiefs who are involved in giving our lands to illegal miners,” he stated.
Dr. Ashigbey emphasized that traditional leaders occupy a crucial position in the governance of land and natural resources, and their accountability is key to protecting the environment. According to him, the integrity of the chieftaincy institution must be preserved by ensuring that no chief contributes to the ongoing destruction of Ghana’s forests and water bodies.
Beyond the call for internal accountability among traditional authorities, Dr. Ashigbey also warned of the long-term economic consequences of illegal mining.
He cautioned that the continued pollution of the country’s mineral resources could soon affect Ghana’s reputation and earnings on the international market.
“Our gold may soon be rejected on the international market due to the increasing scale of contamination by illegal miners,” he cautioned.
He painted a bleak picture of the situation, noting that illegal mining has led to widespread mercury pollution and environmental degradation that threaten both local livelihoods and national economic stability. Dr. Ashigbey therefore urged urgent, coordinated action between government, security agencies, and traditional authorities to stop the menace.
“The time for talking is over,” he stressed. “We must hold everyone accountable—especially those with the authority to protect the land but who instead choose to sell it to destroyers.”
