There’s No Galamsey Without Chiefs Involvement
Dr. Eric Bimpong, a lecturer at KAAF University College, has argued that mining or galamsey activities in any community are impossible without the influence of chiefs.
“It is difficult for someone to mine on a land without the influence of the chief.”
Despite constitutional limitations, he believes chiefs wield significant power to regulate mining operations within their territories. Dr. Bimpong highlighted the case of the Mamponghene, who successfully resisted attempts by the Lands Commission to permit mining on his land. This chief’s strong stance, backed by the community, prevented any mining activities on his land.
In a panel discussion on Opemsuo Radio’s Nkwantannanso with Kofi Boakye, the lecturer emphasized that such leaders are forward-thinking, considering the welfare of future generations.
“There is a case study where there was a letter to Mamponghene to check for gold and the chief refused because he was thinking of generations. Nana made them understand the land belongs to him.”
He further advocated for greater accountability of chiefs to their communities, expressing concern about chiefs accumulating wealth without addressing critical issues.
“If Mamponghene could do this, then others can. It is time chiefs are made accountable to the people. Now when someone becomes a chief, you see cars while their palaces are collapsing. They just buy cars. It is time, they are made accountable to us. We should make it clear to the chiefs that they have power.”
“The land belongs to the chiefs; they control it. Chiefs should arise,” he added.
Story by Adwoa S. Danso
