Chiefs Should Be Central to Galamsey Combat – National House of Chiefs President

By Life Pulse Daily | Updated: December 19, 2025

Introduction

The escalating crisis of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, has drawn a critical intervention from the leadership of the traditional authorities in Ghana. The President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, has sounded a cautionary alarm regarding the security and environmental implications of unregulated mining activities. In a decisive address delivered at the National House of Chiefs in Kumasi, he articulated that the executive government cannot effectively combat this menace without the full backing and involvement of traditional leaders. This article explores the depth of his statement, the historical context of land management, and the practical steps required to integrate chiefs into the national anti-galamsey strategy.

Key Points

Background

To understand the gravity of the President’s plea, one must understand the structure of land ownership in Ghana. The 1992 Constitution of Ghana recognizes the Stool Lands as belonging to the indigenous people, managed by Chiefs on behalf of their subjects. These lands include areas rich in gold, timber, and other mineral resources.

The Galamsey Phenomenon

“Galamsey” is a colloquial term derived from “gather and sell,” referring to small-scale, often illegal, artisanal mining. While it provides livelihoods for many, it has historically caused devastating environmental damage, particularly to water bodies and arable land. The government has launched several operations, such as “Operation Vanguard,” to curb the activity, but the problem persists, often shifting locations and tactics.

The Role of Traditional Leaders

Historically, Chiefs are the first point of contact for land users. They grant land rights and are responsible for the spiritual and physical well-being of their communities. However, the modernization of Ghana’s legal system has sometimes sidelined these authorities in favor of state agencies. The President’s recent address highlights a growing frustration that the state’s approach has been top-down and insufficient without grassroots cooperation.

Analysis

The statement by Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II is not merely a political complaint; it is a strategic proposal for a multi-stakeholder approach to environmental governance. The analysis of the current situation reveals three critical dimensions: security, development, and legality.

The Security Dimension

The President’s warning about the transformation of illegal mining into a national security threat is based on observable patterns. In regions like the Sahel and parts of Latin America, illegal mining cartels have been linked to human trafficking, money laundering, and the funding of terrorism. By stating that early indicators of resistance to law enforcement are already present in Ghana, the National House of Chiefs is signaling that galamsey operators are organizing. Without the local intelligence and authority of Chiefs, state security agencies often operate blindly, leading to violent clashes and a breakdown of law and order.

The Economic and Development Paradox

The President referred to the situation in resource-rich areas as a “curse.” This aligns with the economic theory of the Resource Curse, where countries with an abundance of natural resources tend to have less economic growth and worse development outcomes. The call for a 1% gross retention from mining companies operating in traditional areas is a mechanism to break this cycle. Currently, the royalty distribution formula allocates percentages to the Office of the Administrator of Stool Lands (OASL), which then distributes to Traditional Councils, District Assemblies, and the government. The argument is that the current share is too bureaucratic and insufficient to address the immediate infrastructural needs of the communities bearing the environmental cost.

The Environmental Imperative

Environmental protection is the most visible casualty of unregulated galamsey. Rivers like the Pra, Ankobra, and Offin have turned brown due to silt and chemical pollution (mercury and cyanide). Chiefs, as the custodians of these lands, have the moral and traditional authority to enforce bans on mining in water bodies. When a Chief speaks, the community listens—a cultural leverage that state law enforcement lacks.

Practical Advice

For the government to heed the President’s advice and effectively integrate chiefs into the anti-galamsey fight, a structured framework is required. Here is a practical roadmap for implementation:

1. Institutionalize the Partnership

Instead of ad-hoc meetings, there should be a formalized joint task force comprising representatives from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Ghana Police Service, and the National House of Chiefs. This body should have decision-making powers regarding concessions in traditional areas.

2. Decentralize Enforcement Powers

Current laws do not grant arrest powers to traditional authorities. However, legislation can be amended to give Chief’s Committees the authority to issue cease-and-desist orders and report violations directly to a specialized court system, bypassing the slow general court system.

3. Revise the Royalty Distribution Formula

To address the development deficit, the government should engage the Ministry of Finance to audit the proposed 1% retention model. If implemented, these funds must be held in a dedicated Stool Development Fund with strict auditing requirements to ensure they are used for specific projects like roads and schools, rather than administrative overhead.

4. Community Education and Sensitization

Chiefs should lead town hall meetings to educate the youth about the long-term dangers of illegal mining. This should be paired with government-sponsored vocational training programs to provide alternative livelihoods, reducing the economic push factors for youth to engage in galamsey.

FAQ

Conclusion

The address by Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II serves as a pivotal moment in the discourse on Ghana’s natural resource management. By framing galamsey not just as an environmental issue but as a national security threat and a developmental failure, the National House of Chiefs has challenged the government to rethink its strategy. The integration of traditional authorities is no longer optional; it is a necessity for effective governance. If the government can successfully partner with the Chiefs—granting them the resources and legal backing to manage their lands—the fight against illegal mining may finally shift from a war of attrition to a sustainable victory for the environment and the economy.