Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II Opposes Blanket Ban on Mining, Advocates for Stricter Regulations
Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, President of the National House of Chiefs, has rejected calls for a blanket ban on mining activities in Ghana, instead advocating for enhanced regulations to promote responsible mining practices. His comments come amid increasing public pressure on the government to take drastic measures against illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, which has severely impacted the country’s water bodies and environment.
Speaking on the issue, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II emphasized that mining remains a key driver of Ghana’s economy, and a total ban would not serve the national interest. While acknowledging the devastating effects of galamsey, he argued that the focus should be on regulating mining operations rather than shutting down the industry altogether.
"You all know I am against galamsey, and I will continue to fight against it, but that should not prevent Ghanaians from engaging in mining activities," he stated. "Gold is for us, but the right methods should be used to mine it. That is why there is an institution like the Minerals Commission that is responsible for regulating these activities."
Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II’s remarks come in response to calls from various groups, including the Ghana Medical Association and Organised Labour, who have urged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to impose a nationwide ban on all small-scale mining or declare a state of emergency to tackle the galamsey crisis.
Despite the growing clamor for decisive action, the National House of Chiefs’ President cautioned against the potential economic fallout of a blanket ban, particularly its impact on youth employment in mining communities. He reiterated that mining, when done responsibly, can continue to provide jobs and economic benefits for the nation.
"We are pleading with those calling for a state of emergency or a ban on mining to consider the benefits the nation gets from responsible mining. If we stop mining, most of our youth will be pushed out of jobs. We should adopt the right measures to regulate illegal mining so that we can all do responsible mining."
The call for responsible mining was echoed by Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combat illegal mining while protecting the environment. Jinapor acknowledged the significant challenges posed by powerful cartels involved in galamsey, but vowed to intensify efforts to safeguard Ghana’s water bodies, forest reserves, and natural resources.
