The chief of Daamang in the Prestea Huni Valley municipality of the Western region, Nana Anim Kwaw II, is advocating for a policy change to combat the devastating effects of illegal mining.
He’s urging the government to require all small-scale mining and community mining operations to have mining experts on site.
The move, he says, aims to prevent the destruction of lands and promote responsible mining practices.
Ghana is struggling to combat the devastating impact of unregulated mining activities on its forest reserves and water bodies.
Despite successive governments’ efforts to halt the menace, the situation persists.
The country’s forest reserves have been severely depleted, with over 2.5 million hectares lost to galamsey over the past decade, posing a significant threat to biodiversity.
Nana Anim Kwaw II, the chief of Daamang and a seasoned mining expert, is calling on the government to take bold action to address the environmental damage caused by illegal mining activities.
Speaking to our news team on the sidelines after he was unveiled to the Daamang community, he emphasized the need for mining experts to be present on small-scale and community mining sites to prevent the destruction of lands and water bodies, which is crucial for preserving the country’s ecosystem.
“We have successful large-scale mining operations that we can learn from. Let’s adopt their standards for small-scale mining to prevent pollution and environmental damage.
“A key issue is the lack of transparency in concession allocations, where the total gold reserves are unknown. I propose that the Minerals Commission provides detailed reports on each concession, specifying the exact amount of gold available,” stated the chief.
His proposal, he noted, “would help prevent over-mining and environmental degradation. It’s time for the government to engage mining experts and work together to address the galamsey menace.”
As the newly enstooled chief of the Daamang community, Nana Kwaw II pledged to prioritize youth development in the area.
“Job creation for the youth in my community is my top priority. Unfortunately, the mining operations here have left many young people disappointed and unemployed after being denied access to the industry.
“To address this, I plan to create alternative livelihoods and jobs for the youth. Since agriculture is a driving force in our country, I intend to utilize our community’s farmland to promote growth.
“Additionally, as the President and CEO of Latin American trade and industry in West Africa, I have established connections to bring in investors who can help support my community’s development,” he stated.
The chief also promised to promote healthcare delivery by improving the health infrastructure in the community.
Some chiefs in attendance at the event offered words of wisdom to the newly enstooled chied, advising him to prioritize the well-being and welfare of his subjects as he embarks on his new role.
“Being a chief is not just about wearing traditional attire and jewelry, but about providing leadership and guidance to your people,” one of the chiefs stated.
“I urge you to prioritize the development of your community and actively work against illegal mining activities that harm our environment.
“Additionally, show respect to your superiors, just as you expect your people to respect you,” they advised.
Ghana discovers gold from 7 out of 15 districts in its Upper East Region
By Ebenezer Atiemo
