Dormaahene Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II says illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, has seen a noticeable decline under the administration of President John Dramani Mahama.
The traditional ruler, who was sworn in today as a Justice of the Court of Appeal, made the remarks shortly after taking the judicial oath alongside 20 other appointees in Accra.
He credited the improvement to stronger enforcement measures, including special task forces such as the Blue Waterguards, which have been deployed to safeguard the country’s polluted water bodies.
“I have been on this stool for almost 26 and a half years. Galamsey did not start today. But if you ask for my assessment, I will say now it is going down,” the Dormaahene observed.
According to him, at one point nine forest reserves had been taken over by illegal miners, but recent interventions have curbed the widespread destruction.
Despite acknowledging progress, the Dormaahene stressed that galamsey remains a grave threat and warned against complacency.
“I wouldn’t stand here and say galamsey is gone; it is still with us. But if you look at the seriousness of the fight, we should ensure that we nip this situation in the bud,” he cautioned.
Now sitting on the nation’s second-highest court, he pledged to support the enforcement of laws against illegal mining, particularly in his Dormaa Traditional Area.
“I will personally arrest offenders and hand them over to the police for prosecution,” he warned.
The Dormaahene called on citizens to play their part in preserving natural resources for future generations, linking the fight against galamsey to the survival of farming, water security, and national heritage.
“This is the only thing our ancestors left for us. We must not destroy our water bodies and cocoa farms. Let us farm the right way so that we can all benefit,” he urged.
Illegal mining continues to destroy vast farmlands and pollute major rivers across Ghana, threatening the livelihoods of millions. With his dual role as chief and Court of Appeal judge, Osagyefo Agyeman Badu II’s stance is expected to add renewed urgency to the country’s environmental protection efforts.
Discover more from Hot Stories Ghana
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
