The Konor (Paramount Chief) of the Manya Krobo Traditonal Area, Nene Sakite II, has ascribed the seemingly lost fight against illegal mining, to the lack of political will. He observed that it is not only disappointing but also disturbing the failure of political leadership to tackle the menace.
Nene Sakite II, who is also the President of the Eastern Region House of Chiefs, was speaking during the Grand Durbar of the Gbidukor Festival of the chiefs and people of Hohoe and Peki in the Volta Region as the Special Guest of Honour. This year’s festival, which was under the theme “Election 2024: The role of Gbidukor in ensuring peaceful election for national development”, was climaxed at Hohoe over the weekend.
The revered chief, in his address, was of the opinion that government’s commitment to the fight has not been encouraging saying, “Let me state without equivocation that the lack of political will to holistically tackle the national scourge of illegal mining or galamsay is not only disappointing but disturbing”.
He urged all well-meaning Ghanaians to add their voice to the fight against galamsey, which has destroyed water bodies, lands and forests in the mining communities. He said, “I am seizing this opportunity to urge all of you to add your voice to efforts being made to draw public and national attention to the phenomenon while calling on the government to properly regulate the practice and make the approach to extracting minerals more sustainable and responsible”, adding that even though the practice is not visible in the Volta Region, its “health implications and adverse impact know no boundaries”.
The Konor also used the occasion to admonish the citizenry to be wary of the manipulative tactics of politicians and to put the interest of the nation first before, during and after the elections.
The Gbidukor Festival is an annual gathering of the people of Hohoe (the entire Gbi Traditional Area) and Peki Traditonal Area in the South Dayi District. These two are called Gbidzigbe (Gbi North) and Gbinyegbe (Gbi South) respectively. The festival, which rotates between the two traditional areas, is commemorative of the migration journey and the settlement of the Gbi people, tracing their ancestry to and even prior to Notsie in the present day Republic of Togo under the well touted King Agorkorli.
In his welcome address, Togbega Kpekpewuzu Gabusu VII, the Paramount Chief of Gbi Traditional Area, called upon all citizens to prioritize peaceful coexistence and be tolerant to each other. “In the spirit of this year’s theme, I urge all citizens of Gbi to prioritize peaceful co-existence, tolerance and civic engagement. Let use this festival as an opportunity to promote constructive dialogue, educate ourselves on the electoral process and encourage one another to exercise our democratic rights”.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Mr Stephen Asamoah Boateng, Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious affairs, praised the people for such a united front and the promotion of culture. “This occasion is not just a day of festivity. It is a vibrant celebration of our rich culture, identity and the enduring spirit of the Gbi people which shows the spirit of freedom and unity”, he said.
Mr Asamoah Boateng also hinted on plans of the Ministry to restore authority to traditional leaders. He said, “My ministry is working on some amendments to the Chieftaincy Act 2008 (Act 759), where the authourity of our chiefs to adjudicate local disputes to reach their catchments areas will be restored”. He observed that the passing of such a law is crucial since not every problem encountered by a people must be settled in the law courts. He admonished the traditional leaders to use that power judiciously so as to promote unity and development in their areas when the amendment is passed by parliament.
The Minister also mentioned the establishment of a working committee which activities are being coordinated in his ministry to work out modalities for the establishment of a proposed development fund, similar to the District Assemblies Common Fund, to resource traditional authroities.
He concluded by presenting an undisclosed sum of cash donation from the Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and the promise of a bus for the chiefs making up the Gbi Traditonal Area.