The Odikro of Gomoa Tarkwa in the Gomoa West District of the Central Region, Dasebre Atta Kwakwa Egyiri Opusi VII, has called for stronger collaboration between the government and traditional authorities in the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
According to the traditional leader, illegal mining has emerged as one of the most serious threats to Ghana’s forest reserves, farmlands and water bodies, with several communities bearing the consequences of environmental degradation and water pollution.
Dasebre Opusi VII said the situation required a coordinated national response involving government institutions, traditional authorities, security agencies and local communities.
He made the call during the climax of the Ahorbaakese Festival at Gomoa Tarkwa, where he highlighted the growing environmental and socio-economic challenges confronting residents in communities affected by illegal mining.
Dasebre Opusi VII disclosed that Gomoa Tarkwa has been experiencing a severe water crisis for about a year, which he attributed to the activities of illegal miners operating in the area.
He said rivers and streams that previously served as important sources of water for residents had been polluted to the extent that they could no longer be relied upon for drinking and farming.
The situation, he noted, had placed an additional burden on residents, who now have to struggle to access clean and safe water for their daily needs.
He warned that if the destruction of water bodies continued unchecked, communities across the country could face even more serious consequences.
“Government must partner with chiefs and community members to end galamsey before it destroys us,” he urged.
The traditional leader stressed that the fight against illegal mining could not be won by government alone, arguing that traditional authorities and residents possess valuable knowledge about their communities and the activities taking place within them.
Dasebre Opusi VII called on the Minerals Commission, security agencies and local authorities to deepen their engagement with traditional leaders as part of efforts to clamp down on illegal mining.
He said chiefs and community leaders were familiar with the terrain and could help identify areas where illegal mining activities were taking place as well as provide information that could assist law enforcement agencies.
He therefore urged the government to create stronger channels of cooperation with traditional authorities to ensure that intelligence gathered at the community level could be effectively used in the fight against galamsey.
The Odikro also appealed to the youth, particularly those engaged in illegal mining, to reconsider their involvement and pursue sustainable livelihoods that would not undermine the environment or threaten the future of their communities.
He cautioned that while illegal mining might provide immediate income for some young people, the long-term destruction of farmland and water resources could leave communities with serious economic and environmental problems.
The chief’s concerns come amid continued national discussions over the environmental impact of illegal mining, particularly the pollution of rivers and destruction of forest reserves.
He maintained that protecting Ghana’s water resources should be treated as a national priority, insisting that the country could not afford to allow short-term economic activities to permanently damage resources that communities depend on for generations.
He further called for sustained enforcement of laws against illegal mining, alongside the creation of viable alternative livelihood opportunities for young people in affected communities.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Gomoa Tarkwa Ahorbaakese Festival, Nana Kwesi Essel Okyeahene, has raised concerns about persistent chieftaincy disputes in parts of Gomoa.
He alleged that some legal practitioners were contributing to the escalation of chieftaincy conflicts within Gomoa communities.
Nana Kwesi Essel Okyeahene, chairman, Gomoa Tarkwa Ahorbaakese Festival
According to him, certain lawyers were exploiting disputes within the traditional area for financial gain, a situation he said was undermining the authority and unity of traditional institutions.
Nana Kwesi Essel Okyeahene alleged that such interference was gradually weakening the traditional structures of the Gomoa communities and creating divisions among traditional leaders.
He therefore urged traditional authorities to remain vigilant and resist what he described as unnecessary external interference in traditional matters.
The festival chairman called on traditional leaders across Gomoa to take steps to protect their customs and traditions and prevent disagreements from being exploited to deepen divisions within their communities.
He said traditional authorities had a responsibility to safeguard the values, customs and institutions handed down to them by their forebears.
He further appealed to chiefs to work together to resolve disagreements peacefully and prevent disputes from escalating into prolonged conflicts.
According to him, unity among traditional leaders would be critical to restoring peace and strengthening the traditional institution across Gomoa.
The Ahorbaakese Festival provided an opportunity for traditional leaders and residents to reflect on the development challenges facing Gomoa Tarkwa and surrounding communities, with calls for greater unity, environmental protection and sustainable development emerging as key issues.
Story by Joseph Cobbina
