The Paramount Chief of the Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area and President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, has stated that Ghana can end illegal mining popularly known as galamsey within a year if chiefs are empowered through an amendment of the Chieftaincy Act.
Speaking at the grand durbar of the 2025 Eluo Festival in Bibiani, located in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality of the Western North Region, the revered chief expressed deep concern about the ongoing destruction of forest reserves and water bodies.
According to Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, chiefs are often blamed for the widespread environmental devastation caused by galamsey, yet their authority to fully protect their lands has been curtailed by Section 63(d) of the Chieftaincy Act. He emphasized that revising this section would restore the traditional powers needed to safeguard lands, forests, and water resources effectively.
> “Everyone points fingers at chiefs for the destruction of our forests and water bodies, but the truth is that our powers to protect these lands have been taken away. With the right amendment to the Act, we can end galamsey within a year,” he stressed.
Ogyeahoho further issued a strong warning to all chiefs and traditional leaders within the Anhwiaso Traditional Area to distance themselves completely from illegal mining activities. He cautioned that any chief found complicit in galamsey operations would face appropriate sanctions.
Story: Nyamebeye Kofi Ansah Sasraku