Akwamuhene of Mpasaaso No. 2 appeals to Mahama over escalating unlawful mining disaster – Life Pulse Daily
Introduction
The Akwamuhene of Mpasaaso No. 2 in Ghana’s Ashanti Region, Nana Agyei Mensah, has issued an urgent appeal to President John Mahama over the worsening crisis of unlawful mining, locally known as galamsey. This destructive practice has devastated local ecosystems, endangered water sources, and disrupted community livelihoods, raising critical questions about governance, environmental stewardship, and the enforcement of mining regulations in Ghana.
Background of Mpasaaso No. 2’s Crisis
Mpasaaso No. 2, a traditional community in the Ashanti Region, has long relied on its natural resources for economic and cultural sustenance. However, the unchecked proliferation of illegal mining operations—despite successive warnings and petitions—has transformed rivers, forests, and ancestral lands into zones of industrial plunder. The chief’s plea underscores the urgency of governmental intervention.
Analysis: The Root Causes and Consequences of Galamsey
Economic Drivers of Unlawful Mining
The appeal highlights systemic challenges driving galamsey across Ghana. Key factors include poverty, inadequate formal employment, and weak enforcement of mining laws. Small-scale miners, often operating without permits, exploit loophoms in regulatory frameworks to profit from mineral extraction. This unregulated activity directly threatens the soil, water, and biodiversity critical to traditional communities.
Environmental Devastation: Rivers and Forests at Risk
Nana Agyei Mensah described how rivers like Bone and Asuakor have turned “milky brown” due to sedimentation from mining waste. Such contamination jeopardizes drinking water supplies, farming, and aquatic life. According to the Ghana Water Company Limited, 70% of the country’s drinking water comes from rivers and lakes, making this ecological decline a national emergency.
Social and Political Implications
The chief’s frustration with unresponsive institutions—a lack of action from the district police, Minerals Development Fund, and DCE office—points to deeper governance failures. The destoolment of the previous leader, Nana Ampofo Twumasi, in 2025 further destabilized local oversight, leaving Nana Mensah as the primary defender of the community’s rights.
Summary: Key Takeaways from the Akwamuhene’s Appeal
Urgent Transformation of Unlawful Mining
The Akwamuhene’s call for presidential intervention emphasizes the need for aggressive measures to curb galamsey. This includes deploying resources to the Minerals Development Fund, revising permitting processes for legal small-scale mining, and prioritizing environmental restoration efforts.
Community Resilience and Traditional Leadership
Mpasaaso No. 2’s situation underscores the role of Akwamuhene (traditional chiefs) as custodians of communal resources. Their appeals highlight the intersection of cultural authority and modern governance challenges in addressing environmental crises.
Key Points: Understanding the Galamsey Crisis
Galamsey in Ghana: Definition and Scope
Galamsey, short for gather gold smuggled, refers to small-scale, illegal mining activities. In Ghana, these operations often involve cross-border workers and organized crime networks, complicating enforcement efforts.
Impact on Water Resources
The pollution of rivers like Bone and Asuakor aligns with findings from the Ghana Environmental Protection Agency, which reported that 23% of river systems in mining-affected districts are heavily silted or contaminated.
Practical Advice for Addressing the Crisis
Strengthening Regulatory Frameworks
Ghana should streamline the Small-Scale Mining (Licensing) Regulations to reduce bureaucratic hurdles for legal miners while imposing harsher penalties on unlicensed operators. Enhanced surveillance systems, including satellite monitoring, could deter illegal activity.
Community-Based Solutions
Empowering local leaders like Nana Agyei Mensah with training and resources to monitor and report illegal operations can complement state efforts. Initiatives like community watch programs have shown success in regions like Western Ghana.
Points of Caution: Risks of Inaction and Escalation
Continuation of Ecological Damage
Without immediate action, Ghana risks irreversible damage to water systems. This aligns with a 2023 World Bank report warning that unchecked galamsey could cost the country $1.5 billion annually in environmental and health costs.
Social Unrest and Political Consequences
Public frustration with inaction may fuel tensions between traditional authorities and state institutions, exacerbating calls for systemic reforms in governance and environmental policy.
Comparison: Akwamuhene’s Case vs. Regional Galamsey Trends
Similarities and Divergences
Mpasaaso No. 2’s crisis mirrors patterns seen in Ghana’s Eastern and Western regions, where mining has degraded 40% of watershed areas. However, the Ashanti Region’s proximity to Kumasi and its historical significance make it a focal point for national media attention.
Legal Implications: Ghana’s Mining Laws in Practice
Enforcement Gaps and Accountability
The delay by authorities like the Ghana Police and Minerals Development Fund raises legal questions. Ghana’s Minerals Commission Act mandates penalties for unlicensed mining, including fines up to ₵50,000 (approx. $5,000) and equipment seizure. Yet, enforcement remains inconsistent, undermining legal deterrence.
Conclusion: A Call for Collective Responsibility
The Akwamuhene’s plea encapsulates a national dilemma: balancing economic gains from mining with environmental and communal sustainability. Addressing galamsey requires not only policy reforms but also a cultural shift toward valuing ecological preservation over short-term economic exploitation.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
What is Galamsey and Why Is It a Problem?
Galamsey refers to illegal small-scale mining, often involving unregulated excavation and use of hazardous chemicals like mercury. Its problems include water contamination, deforestation, and conflicts over land rights.
How Can Citizens Report Unlawful Mining in Ghana?
Report illegal mining via the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources or the Ghana Revenue Authority. The government’s GhanaEye digital platform also allows anonymous whistleblowing.
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