The Omanhene of the Akuapem Traditional Area, Osaedeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, has raised concerns over the awarding of a prospecting license to a mining firm to operate in his jurisdiction without consulting his office.

According to the Okuapehene, the awarding of the license for prospecting in Mangoase and Kukua by the former government highlights the lack of involvement of traditional leaders in mining regulation, which is undermining the fight against illegal mining, also known as galamsey.

“A lot of people might think Akuapem doesn’t have any minerals or anything of the sort, but this is the case: I have documents in my traditional council office right now showing that the previous government gave a prospecting license to people at Mangoase and Kukua, which is in my territory, Akuapem.

“I wasn’t informed about it when the prospecting license was given. Nobody told me about it; I just happened to come across it, and I wrote to the ministry but never received a response. So, madam minister, I believe all my colleagues will agree with me, and Ghana as a whole will agree with me, that Nananom has to know what is coming into our territory so we can work with the central government for peace and help reduce this galamsey issue that we have,” he told the Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, during a meeting with some traditional leaders.

The fight against galamsey has been a significant challenge for Ghana, with environmental degradation, water pollution, and deforestation among its devastating impacts.

Since President John Dramani Mahama returned to power in January 2025, his administration has taken a firm stance against galamsey, building on promises made during his campaign to address the crisis decisively.

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, recently announced the revocation of all small-scale mining licenses issued after December 7, 2024.

This move targeted licenses granted in the waning days of the prior government, which were seen as contributing to the galamsey surge.

The government has so far taken several measures against illegal mining; however, the opposition New Patriotic Party has accused the Mahama government of lacking commitment to the galamsey fight.

TWI NEWS