The National House of Chiefs has taken a bold stance on combating illegal mining (galamsey), outlining a raft of crucial resolutions aimed at curbing this destructive practice.
These decisive measures were crafted after a substantive dialogue meeting with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its liaison groups on January 25, 2024.
In a communique signed by the President, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, it was disclosed that the National House of Chiefs is set to adopt a naming and shaming strategy directed at both political and traditional authorities engaged in illegal mining activities. This move underlines a commitment to transparency and accountability in addressing the challenges posed by galamsey.
Furthermore, recognizing the imperative to bolster the authority of the National House of Chiefs in pertinent laws, a proposal for such strengthening has been put forward.
The document also suggests an amendment to the EPA Act, to empower Nananom (traditional leaders) to actively combat the galamsey menace. A notable recommendation emphasizes the establishment of a special court dedicated to prosecuting individuals involved in illegal mining.
In addition to these measures, the National House of Chiefs is advocating for a meeting with political parties. The objective is to encourage the inclusion of a commitment to the eradication of all illegal mining activities in the parties’ manifestos, with a deadline set for the end of March.
SOURCE: DAILY MAIL GH
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