The President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief of Dormaa, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, has dismissed calls for a state of emergency to be declared in response to illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking shortly after being sworn in as a Justice of the Court of Appeal under his private name, His Lordship Daniel Mensah, the Dormaahene described the proposal as “unnecessary,” insisting that the situation was improving.
His comments come as civil society organizations prepare to meet President John Dramani Mahama on Friday, October 3, 2025, where the galamsey menace is expected to top the agenda.
While acknowledging that illegal mining has not been completely eradicated, the Dormaahene argued that measures rolled out by the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) government had significantly reduced water pollution and encroachment on forest reserves.
“We should ensure that we nip this situation in the bud,” he urged.
The Dormaahene also issued a stern warning to illegal miners operating in his traditional area, stressing that offenders would face a minimum of 15 years in prison if caught.
He further appealed to chiefs and community leaders to wield their authority in the fight against galamsey, emphasizing that mining activities must be carried out responsibly to protect water bodies, cocoa farms, and Ghana’s natural heritage.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
