Traditional leaders cling key to finishing unlawful mining – Sulemana Braimah – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction: Traditional Leaders as Pivotal Forces in Combating Illegal Mining

The executive director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Sulemana Braimah, has made a compelling case for the critical role of traditional leaders in eradicating illegal mining—a practice widely known as galamsey in Ghana. His argument centers on the idea that while government policies have made progress in curbing unlawful mining, they are insufficient to address the scale of the problem. Braimah asserts that the authority and cultural influence of chiefs, particularly in mining communities, could serve as the catalyst for lasting change. This perspective challenges conventional approaches that rely solely on enforcement measures, highlighting instead the need to leverage grassroots networks and indigenous authority structures to combat environmental degradation and social unrest.

Analysis: The Role of Chiefs in Ghana’s Mining Communities

Understanding the Galamsey Crisis

Galamsey, or illegal small-scale mining, has become a persistent environmental and economic crisis in Ghana. Characterized by unregulated excavation, reckless use of chemicals, and encroachment into protected forest reserves, galamsey operations undermine agricultural productivity, pollute water bodies, and displace local communities. Despite bans and military interventions, the practice continues to thrive, often fueled by poverty, corruption, and a lack of viable alternative livelihoods. Braimah’s focus on traditional leaders stems from their deep-rooted connection to the land and communities—a factor often overlooked in top-down policy solutions.

Why Traditional Leaders Matter

Chiefs in Ghana are not merely ceremonial figures; they hold significant social, economic, and political power within their jurisdictions. Their authority is rooted in customary law and community trust, making them uniquely positioned to enforce local regulations. Braimah argues that chiefs can wield this influence by declaring mining off-limits on their lands—a move that would challenge the existing status quo. For instance, some chiefs in mining-prone areas like the Ashanti Region have already begun restricting unauthorized digging activities, signaling a shift toward grassroots enforcement. By leveraging their legitimacy, traditional leaders can pressure politicians to prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term revenue gains.

Collaboration Over Confrontation

A key insight from Braimah’s analysis is the necessity of collaboration. While clashes between politicians and traditional leaders are not uncommon, he suggests that aligning their interests could create a unified front against galamsey. Politicians, often constrained by electoral cycles and economic priorities, may hesitate to impose heavy penalties on mining operations. In contrast, chiefs—who answer to communities rather than voters—can act decisively. This dynamic demands clear communication channels between national authorities and local leaders, ensuring that policies are both informed by traditional knowledge and compliant with constitutional frameworks.

Summary: Champions of Change at the Grassroots Level

The article underscores the urgent need to redefine Ghana’s strategy against galamsey by empowering traditional leaders. Sulemana Braimah’s call to action warns that without active participation from chiefs, efforts to eradicate illegal mining will remain fragmented and ineffective. His proposed solution—delegating authority to enforce mining bans—challenges existing power structures but offers a pragmatic path forward. By combining the reach of political institutions with the influence of indigenous governance, Ghana’s fight against environmental destruction could gain unprecedented momentum.

Key Points: Breaking Down Braimah’s Arguments

1. Traditional Leaders as First-Line Defenders

Chiefs are described as “gatekeepers of communal land,” with the authority to sanction or prohibit mining activities within their domains. This decentralized enforcement mechanism could reduce the strain on national security forces while addressing localized grievances more effectively.

2. Government Policies Alone Are Inadequate

Braimah critiques the overreliance on military crackdowns and legislative measures, stating they lack the cultural resonance needed to alter deeply entrenched behaviors. He advocates for integrating traditional authority into regulatory frameworks rather than treating them as parallel systems.

3. Economic and Social Leverage

The article highlights how galamsey disrupts local economies, displacing farmers and contaminating water sources. Chiefs, as custodians of community welfare, are uniquely positioned to restore ecological balance while fostering sustainable development.

Practical Advice: Empowering Traditional Leaders in Anti-Galamsey Efforts

1. Legal Recognition of Chiefly Authority

Governments should formalize the role of traditional leaders in environmental governance through legal frameworks. This could include amending the Minerals Commission Act to recognize their jurisdiction over mining licenses, provided they adhere to environmental standards.

2. Capacity Building and Resources

Workshops and funding could equip chiefs with tools to monitor mining activities, such as GIS mapping software or partnerships with environmental NGOs. Training programs might also address how to resolve conflicts between mining interests and community needs.

3. Community Engagement and Education

Awareness campaigns co-hosted by chiefs and educators could highlight the long-term costs of galamsey, such as soil erosion and health risks. By framing conservation as a collective responsibility, these initiatives aim to shift public perception away from viewing mining as an unavoidable economic necessity.

Points of Caution: Challenges and Limitations

While traditional leaders hold promise as allies in combating galamsey, their effectiveness depends on several factors:

1. Potential Conflicts of Interest

Some chiefs may have informal ties to galamsey operators, risking allegations of corruption or collusion. Transparency in funding and decision-making processes will be critical to maintain credibility.

2. Legal Ambiguities

The extent of chiefs’ authority under Ghana’s constitution remains contested. Without clear legal mandates, their actions could face challenges in court, undermining enforcement efforts.

3. Resource Constraints

Many communities lack the capacity to monitor mining operations effectively. Without government support—such as funding or technical expertise—traditional leaders may struggle to implement sustainable policies.

Comparison: Traditional vs. Government-Led Approaches

| **Aspect** | **Government-Led Initiatives** | **Traditional Leaders-Driven Solutions** |
|————————–|—————————————–|——————————————|
| **Enforcement** | Relies on military and prosecutorial systems | Leverages local authority and trust |
| **Cultural Relevance** | Often perceived as external interference| Rooted in customary norms and practices |
| **Speed of Implementation| Slow, due to bureaucratic processes | Rapid, given localized decision-making |
| **Cost-Effectiveness** | High operational and legal costs | Low-cost grassroots mobilization |
| **Sustainability** | Limited long-term community buy-in | High, due to cultural embeddedness |

Legal Implications: Navigating Ambiguities in Authority

Ghana’s chieftaincy system is governed by the 1992 Constitution, which grants chiefs jurisdiction over customary lands. However, mining rights are typically controlled by the National Land Commission, creating legal gray areas. Braimah’s proposal hinges on reconciling these jurisdictions, a task that would require legislative clarity. Collaborative frameworks, such as joint management agreements between chiefs and the Minerals Commission, could bridge this gap while ensuring compliance with environmental laws.

Conclusion: A Dual-Pathway Strategy for Sustainable Change

The fight against galamsey demands more than military presence or punitive legislation; it requires a transformation of how communities perceive and manage their natural resources. Sulemana Braimah’s emphasis on traditional leaders as catalysts for change reflects a growing recognition of indigenous governance’s unique strengths in addressing complex socio-environmental issues. By integrating the ethos of chieftaincy with modern regulatory systems, Ghana can forge a sustainable path forward—one where development and conservation coexist.

FAQ: Understanding the Intersection of Tradition and Mining Regulations

1. What is galamsey, and why is it harmful?

Galamsey refers to illegal small-scale mining, often involving unlicensed operations that damage ecosystems. It leads to deforestation, water contamination, and displacement of communities, posing serious risks to public health and biodiversity.

2. Can traditional leaders legally ban mining on their lands?

Traditional leaders have authority over customary lands under Ghana’s constitution. However, mining concessions are governed by the Minerals Commission. Conflicts arise when laws are ambiguous, necessitating legal reforms to clarify jurisdictional boundaries.

3. How can communities support traditional leaders in this effort?

Communities can demand accountability from chiefs, participate in awareness campaigns, and report galamsey activities to government agencies. Collective action amplifies the impact of allied leadership.

4. What role does the government play in this strategy?

The government must provide legal frameworks, technical support, and resources to empower traditional leaders. This includes anti-corruption measures to prevent conflicts of interest and investments in community-based alternatives to mining.

Sources: Key References for Further Learning

• Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)
• Ghana’s Chieftaincy Act (Act 271)
• Minerals and Mining Act (Act 704)
• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) reports on artisanal mining
• Academic studies on customary land rights in Ghana