Mahama appeals to chiefs to support galamsey fight, warns of resistance to NAIMOS operations

President John Dramani Mahama has appealed to chiefs and traditional rulers to support the government’s efforts to combat illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey, warning that enforcement operations must be complemented by alternative livelihood opportunities for affected communities.

The President made the appeal when he received members of the Western North Regional House of Chiefs at the Jubilee House in Accra.

President Mahama stressed that the cooperation of traditional authorities was essential to the success of the anti-galamsey campaign because chiefs maintain close relationships with residents and wield considerable influence in communities where illegal mining activities persist.

He called for stronger collaboration among the government, traditional leaders and security agencies to address the environmental damage and security challenges associated with illegal mining.

President Mahama acknowledged the work of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) but expressed concern that enforcement officers sometimes face resistance from residents and traditional authorities during operations.

According to the President, such confrontations undermine efforts to curb illegal mining and can escalate into violent incidents, making the involvement of chiefs and community leaders particularly important.

“We need the help of our chiefs in the fight against galamsey because you live in the community with the people, and sometimes NAIMOS is doing a good job, but sometimes we go into some communities and the youth and the traditional authorities and everybody fight back at NAIMOS,” he said.

The President further disclosed that some encounters between enforcement personnel and community members had resulted in the use of firearms and loss of life.

“There are incidents where the soldiers have had to discharge firearms, which resulted in a few deaths. We want to avoid that, and so if we can get the collaboration of our chiefs to help in the fight against illegal mining, especially in our forest reserves and in our water bodies,” he added.

He emphasised the need for traditional leaders to help foster cooperation between local communities and enforcement agencies to prevent confrontations and ensure that anti-galamsey operations achieve their intended objectives.

The President’s appeal also highlighted the need to provide alternative livelihood opportunities for people whose incomes depend on illegal mining.

The government’s approach, he indicated, must go beyond enforcement to address the economic conditions that drive people into galamsey.

Alternative livelihood initiatives could help affected communities pursue sustainable sources of income while supporting efforts to protect Ghana’s natural resources.

The call for cooperation comes as the government continues to intensify action against illegal mining, particularly in forest reserves and areas where mining activities threaten rivers and other water bodies.

President Mahama’s engagement with the Western North Regional House of Chiefs underscores the role traditional authorities can play in supporting enforcement, reducing community resistance and promoting more sustainable approaches to tackling illegal mining in Ghana.