The fight against illegal mining, popularly known as “galamsey”, received a powerful endorsement from Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, during the ongoing Geira Yam Festival in the Nzema enclave.
Addressing chiefs, elders and residents, the Minister called for a united community-led effort to tackle the environmental and social havoc caused by illicit mining activities.
Minister Nelson described the environmental destruction linked to galamsey as “devastating,” highlighting the adverse impact on lives, livelihoods and water bodies in the region.
“Until we commit ourselves to the fight against illegal mining, it is never going to be success,” he said, emphasising the pivotal role that traditional authorities must play in this struggle.
“For too long, the fight against galamsey has been portrayed as the government’s responsibility alone.
“While the government has a huge role to play, meaningful success cannot be achieved without the active engagement of chiefs and community leaders,” he added.
The Western Regional Minister urged traditional authorities and residents alike to “rekindle efforts and put our shoulders to the wheel” to confront what he described as a “canker and menace” threatening the region.
Western Region is blessed with abundant gold deposits, but Nelson cautioned that this natural wealth has often brought more harm than good.
“The gold resource blessed to the Western Region should benefit the people. Yet, the way it is mined today has nearly turned our blessing into a curse,” he lamented.
He cited the Ankobra River as a prime example of the destruction brought by illegal mining.
“The devastating effect of galamsey on our rivers is visible everywhere. During my recent travels, I was saddened to witness the destruction firsthand. This is a clarion call for all of us to help,” Nelson said, stressing that the responsibility should not rest solely on the shoulders of the Regional Minister, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), or even the President.
The minister’s speech resonated deeply with the festival audience, underlining the urgent need for a community-driven approach to safeguard the region’s natural resources.
By involving chiefs in the oversight and regulation of mining activities, the government hopes to foster accountability, preserve water bodies, and protect livelihoods dependent on agriculture and fishing, which are increasingly threatened by uncontrolled mining.
Illegal mining has been a longstanding issue in Ghana, particularly in resource-rich regions like Western Region.
Apart from environmental degradation, galamsey operations have disrupted local economies, compromised food security and fueled social conflicts.
The government through NAIMOS has periodically launched crackdowns and introduced policies to curb these activities, but enforcement appears to have been challenging without strong local collaboration.
Minister Nelson’s remarks during the Gwira Yam Festival signal a renewed push for holistic action, emphasizing that sustainable mining practices require the collective effort of government, traditional authorities, and local communities.
By framing galamsey not just as a legal or governmental issue, but as a moral and communal one, the minister hopes to ignite a sense of shared responsibility among residents and leaders alike.
As the festival continues, the Western Regional Minister has pledged to follow up with engagements at the community level, ensuring that chiefs and residents are empowered to lead initiatives that protect the region’s environment and promote responsible mining practices.
In closing, Minister Nelson reminded attendees that the fight against galamsey was not about politics or personal agendas, but about preserving the region’s natural heritage for future generations.
“Let us act together now, so that the gold blessing in our region does not continue to become a curse for our people,” he urged.
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