House of Chiefs president blames some chiefs, politicians for galamsey surge

President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, has called on national security agencies to take decisive steps to apprehend politicians and traditional authorities who are involved in illegal mining, describing them as central to the ongoing galamsey problem.

During a meeting with the National Security Coordinator on Friday, August 1, President Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II claimed that those caught engaging in illegal mining often point to political figures as their sponsors.

“We need to be involved in fighting the galamsey and the destruction of the water bodies. We all know that the galamseyers, when you arrest them, they tell you that they are from Jubilee House,” he said.

President Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II further stated that the situation is not limited to one administration, noting that illegal mining activities have continued from one government to the next without meaningful resolution.

“It started from the past government and now the current government. Let us come together and fight it. Those arrested should be sanctioned and make sure they don’t destroy our water bodies,” he added.

In addition to his criticism of political involvement, President Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II also accused some traditional leaders of participating in the illegal mining business. He urged those chiefs to distance themselves from such practices and contribute to efforts aimed at ending the menace.