Awulae Attibrikusu III, the Paramount Chief of Lower Axim Traditional Area, has strongly criticized the government led by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for its approach to combating illegal small-scale mining, known as “galamsey.”
The chief asserted that politicians are responsible for financing nearly 90% of galamsey operations in Ghana, undermining the government’s efforts to address the issue.
Speaking during the 2023 Axim Kundum Grand Durbar, Omanhene Attibrikusu III stated that the government is aware of effective measures to halt illegal mining but is merely engaging in superficial actions.
He expressed frustration with the government’s tendency to blame traditional chiefs for the surge in galamsey activities, emphasizing that chiefs lack the authority to curb them.
Awulae Attibrikusu III highlighted the government’s control over crucial aspects of galamsey, such as the importation of mining equipment, making it the primary entity capable of bringing an end to the practice.
“When it comes to the issue of galamsey, I would always say without fear or favour that the government is full of jokers. I would say this anywhere. Why do I say the government are jokers, as I am seated here, I don’t have any apparatus, I don’t command the police or the soldiers.
“The chamfans that are used for galamsey are imported, who controls the harbour? Is it not the government? So, if the government places an embargo on the import of chamfans, who is going to import them? Who am I, to go and give an order that the import of chamfans should be stopped?
“That is why I’m saying and I would also say it that the government are jokers. They don’t know what they are talking about. It is only the government who can stop galamsey and not chiefs,” he
Awulae Attibrikusu III also highlighted the severe environmental consequences of galamsey, stressing that it is causing destruction to land and water bodies across the country. He noted that, for the first time in his 35-year reign as chief, he had to purchase fish from Takoradi because there were no longer fish in the water bodies in his region.
