By Ghana News
Copyright ghanamma
Dormaahene Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II has thrown his support behind President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to convene a high-level meeting with civil society organisations (CSOs) on illegal mining, describing it as “a step in the right direction.”
Speaking after being sworn in as a Justice of the Court of Appeal on Thursday, October 2, the traditional leader said that any effort aimed at addressing the destructive impact of galamsey must be welcomed and supported by all stakeholders.
“Of course, yes [The meeting is in the right direction],” Dormaahene affirmed, responding to President Mahama’s scheduled engagement with CSOs at the Jubilee House on Friday, October 3.
Having served as Dormaahene for nearly 26 and a half years, Osagyefo Agyeman Badu II drew from his extensive experience to highlight the enduring threat of illegal mining in Ghana.
He acknowledged that while the practice is not new, recent government interventions have shown signs of progress.
“Galamsey didn’t start yesterday. It’s been with us for some time. If you ask me about my assessment, I will say now it is going down,” he observed.
He credited recent enforcement measures and initiatives such as the deployment of “blue waterguards” and action to reclaim forest reserves as key indicators of improvement.
“Before this regime came, I know for a fact, because of the work that I do, nine forest reserves had been taken over. Now that situation has been curbed,” he noted.
Despite these gains, Dormaahene warned that galamsey remains a national threat and called for sustained vigilance from all quarters.
“I wouldn’t stand here and say galamsey is gone — it’s still with us. But I believe that if you look at the seriousness with which it’s being tackled, and I want to encourage whoever is in charge — the Minister for Lands, government, and the people of Ghana — we should ensure that we nip this situation in the bud,” he said.
Reiterating his zero-tolerance stance in his own jurisdiction, the Dormaahene warned that anyone caught engaging in illegal mining in Dormaa would face arrest and prosecution.
“So far as that area called Dormaa, once you are there be sure that one day you will be caught, and you know the punishment — minimum 15 years,” he said firmly.
He urged Ghanaians to honour the legacy of their ancestors by protecting the environment, especially water bodies, cocoa farms, and forests, and to adopt sustainable farming practices.
“This is the only thing our ancestors left for us. We don’t have to destroy our water bodies and cocoa farms. Let’s farm the right way so we can all be happy,” he added.
President Mahama’s scheduled meeting with CSOs is expected to harness collective expertise and perspectives to find lasting solutions to the galamsey menace, which continues to pose environmental and socio-economic threats across the country.
Mahama to engage CSOs on galamsey on October 3
