The President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, has dismissed calls for a total ban on all mining activities in Ghana, advocating instead for stronger regulations to ensure responsible mining practices.
He expressed his opposition to illegal mining but emphasized that mining plays a crucial role in the country’s economy and that halting all mining operations would have negative consequences.
His comments come amid increasing pressure on the government to address illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, which has been causing significant destruction to water bodies and the environment.
Several groups, including the Ghana Medical Association and Organized Labour, have called for an outright ban on small-scale mining or even a state of emergency to tackle the galamsey crisis.
While acknowledging the damage caused by illegal mining, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II recommended focusing efforts on promoting responsible mining practices rather than implementing a blanket ban.
He highlighted the role of the Minerals Commission in regulating mining operations and insisted that solutions should prioritize proper mining methods.
He also noted that mining creates significant employment opportunities, particularly for the youth, warning that a complete ban could lead to widespread job losses.
“You all know I am against galamsey, and I will continue to fight against it, but that should not prevent Ghanaians from engaging in mining activities,” he stated.
