In the quest to clamp down on illegal mining activities in Ghana, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Tano South, Collins Offinam Takyi, has entreated traditional authorities nationwide to exercise its powers without fear or favour.

He opined that the powers of chiefs and elders in our traditional jurisdictions cannot be underestimated however they have not been able to utilize it in the galamsey fight.

Expressing his views on the fact that chiefs can play a major role in the fight, he stresses that the keys to unlocking the galamsey lie in the hands of traditional leaders.

“Galamsey cannot occur in an area without the knowledge of the chiefs because they hold a significant influence and authority over the land. This means that some chiefs are aware and involved in galamsey,” he said when speaking on the Angel Morning Show with Okatakyie Mensah.

He urged the chiefs to emulate the behaviours of other traditional leaders “who took a firm stand against allowing illegal mining activities in their jurisdiction”.

He suggested that to prevent illegal mining in Ghana, it is essential for all stakeholders including the judiciary, traditional leaders, and other relevant authorities, to work together in enforcing the law and holding offenders accountable.