The Talensi Traditional Council, pursuant to its customary mandate and the laws of Ghana, has banned all mining activities within the Talensi Traditional Area without the prior written consent of the Council and a valid licence from the Minerals Commission and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).
The Council stated that any person who violates the resolution will be reported to law enforcement agencies for prosecution and will be liable to customary sanctions as determined by the Traditional Council.
Support for Responsible Mining
On responsible mining, the Council said: “The Council supports responsible, legal and environmentally sustainable mining that creates jobs for the youth of Talensi and contributes to the development of the Traditional Area.”
According to the Council, the resolution follows the alarming increase in unauthorized mining activities and their effects on Talensi lands. It noted that water bodies, sacred groves and natural resources are at risk due to illegal mining without proper supervision.
The Council expressed concern that unauthorized mining groups, popularly known as galamsey, have encroached on farmlands, sacred sites, water bodies and community lands without the consent of the Traditional Council.
It added that unauthorized mining is causing severe environmental degradation, pollution of water sources, destruction of economic trees and threats to public health and safety.
Additionally, the Council stated that these unauthorized groups disregard customary procedures, bypass the authority of chiefs and Tindanas, and are causing conflicts and insecurity in the Traditional Area.
New Resolutions
The Council further resolved to enforce compulsory customary consent, protect sacred and protected areas, collaborate with state agencies, and set up a community monitoring committee.
The resolution, signed by the President of the Traditional Council, Tongraan Kugbilsong Nalegbegtang, along with divisional chiefs, Tindanas and queen mothers from the three zones of the Traditional Area, called on all citizens, residents and investors to respect the directive in the interest of peace, security and sustainable development of Talensi.
