The National House of Chiefs has thrown its weight behind government efforts to clamp down on illegal mining, widely known as galamsey.
President of the House, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, declared the chiefs’ full support while speaking during President John Dramani Mahama’s ‘Thank You’ tour.
Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi, who also serves as the Paramount Chief of Sehwi Anhwiaso, warned that galamsey continues to destroy farmlands, contaminate water bodies, and jeopardize lives.
He revealed a worrying trend where hospitals now report babies born with deformities, conditions doctors link to pollution from illegal mining.
The chief assured that traditional leaders across the country will join forces with the government to end the menace and safeguard natural resources for generations to come.
President Mahama described the galamsey crisis as a national emergency. He promised to ramp up enforcement efforts and restore degraded lands.