Chiefs are blamed for galamsey but get nothing from miners – Amenfi traditional leader

A traditional leader in Amenfi, Nana Akwasi Addae, says chiefs and elders are being blamed for galamsey even though illegal miners give them nothing, and has asked the government to work more closely with traditional authorities to tackle the menace.

He was speaking at a meeting with operatives of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) in the Amenfi West area.

Effective action against illegal mining, he said, requires the government to work hand in hand with chiefs and elders.

According to Nana Addae, some farmers sell their lands to illegal miners without the knowledge or consent of traditional leaders, but when the miners then destroy farmlands, forests and other natural resources, it is chiefs and elders who take the blame.

He complained that traditional leaders are widely accused over galamsey, yet miners don’t give them any money. They still end up bearing the blame for the damage to the environment, he said.

ALSO READ:

Galamsey has evolved into transnational organised crime – Prof. Appiagyei-Tua

NAIMOS urges Amenfi miners to go legal and protect water bodies and forests