Axim: Awulae Attibrukusu III, the Paramount Chief of the Lower Axim Traditional Area, has urged traditional rulers in Ghana, particularly those within his jurisdiction, to abstain from participating in illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey. He emphasized the importance of supporting the government’s efforts to combat the destructive practice, which has severely impacted river bodies and forest reserves.
According to Ghana News Agency, Awulae Attibrukusu III highlighted the grave consequences of galamsey activities on the nation, including birth defects, premature deaths, and environmental degradation that threaten the survival of Ghanaians. During a traditional council meeting in Axim, he commended the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, for initiatives such as training 453 water guards to address the issue in the country’s water bodies and forest reserves.
The Paramount Chief asserted that with the collaboration of traditional rulers and the anti-galamsey task force, illegal mining activities could be eradicated, allowing for the restoration of natural water bodies and forest reserves. He warned that chiefs found participating in or permitting galamsey on their lands would face arrest, prosecution, and removal from their positions. “Any of my chiefs who is found culpable of involving himself or herself in galamsey should consider him/her self-dethroned,” Awulae Attibrukusu III stated.
He expressed concern over the ease with which machinery such as excavators are brought into protected areas and urged the government to ban their importation and seize those already in the country, to reinforce the fight against galamsey.