The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has called for greater authority to be granted to traditional leaders, arguing that empowering chiefs could significantly curb illegal mining (galamsey) and foster local development.
Speaking on GhOne TV, the minister emphasized that chiefs are currently powerless to act against illegal miners operating within their territories.
He pointed out that many illegal miners bypass traditional leaders by obtaining permits directly from government agencies, leaving chiefs unable to intervene, even when mining activities threaten their communities. "Can you imagine if chiefs were given the power to summon people mining illegally in their jurisdictions?" he asked. "Right now, a miner gets a letter from the Minister of Lands, enters the chief's area, and starts digging.
The chief calls him, and he refuses to come.
