The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has called on traditional leaders to invoke traditional curses and sanctions against illegal miners destroying Ghana’s rivers, forests and other environmentally sensitive areas.
According to the Western Regional Director of the EPA, Derick Ashia Logo, the growing boldness of galamsey operators, some of whom are heavily armed, is making enforcement increasingly difficult and dangerous for officials tasked with protecting the environment.
Speaking in Tarkwa, Mr. Logo said chiefs, as custodians of the land, must take a more active role in safeguarding natural resources within their jurisdictions.
He urged traditional authorities to mobilise their communities and invoke traditional sanctions against individuals who engage in illegal mining activities in water bodies and forest reserves without the required permits.
Armed Miners Threatening Enforcement Efforts
The EPA official expressed concern over what he described as the increasing defiance of illegal miners, noting that some operators are prepared to resist law enforcement efforts.
According to him, anti-galamsey operations have become more challenging because some illegal miners possess weapons and are willing to confront officials on the ground.
He warned that the continued destruction of rivers and forests poses a serious threat to the country’s environmental sustainability and future water security.
Chiefs Must Help Protect Natural Resources
Mr. Logo argued that traditional leaders wield significant influence within their communities and can play a critical role in discouraging illegal mining activities.
He proposed stronger accountability measures for chiefs, suggesting that traditional leaders who fail to protect forests, rivers and other natural resources within their jurisdictions should face sanctions.
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At the same time, he said chiefs who actively protect environmentally sensitive areas should receive government support and resources to strengthen their efforts.
Call for Greater Collaboration
The EPA Regional Director stressed that the fight against illegal mining cannot be won through enforcement alone.
He called for stronger collaboration between government agencies, traditional authorities and local communities to combat galamsey and prevent further environmental degradation.
Mr. Logo also advocated financial and logistical support for traditional leaders to help them monitor and protect vulnerable areas from encroachment by illegal miners.
Protecting Rivers and Forests
Illegal mining continues to pose one of Ghana’s biggest environmental challenges, with several rivers and forest reserves affected by years of unchecked mining activities.
The EPA believes sustained community involvement, stronger traditional leadership and collective action will be essential in protecting the country’s natural resources for future generations.
The Agency says empowering local communities and traditional authorities could significantly strengthen efforts to preserve Ghana’s rivers, forests and farmlands from further destruction.
