Mahama urges chiefs to help tackle galamsey, protect water bodies

President John Dramani Mahama has appealed to traditional authorities to intensify their support for the government’s fight against illegal mining, warning that community resistance and the lack of alternative livelihoods continue to undermine efforts to curb the menace.

Mr Mahama reiterated that traditional authorities were essential partners in the fight against illegal mining because of their close ties to local communities and their ability to help build support for enforcement and alternative livelihood programmes.

The President also called for stronger community cooperation with the National Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Illegal Mining (NAIMOS), particularly in forest reserves and around water bodies.