The Paramount Chief of the Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area, Nana Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, has urged Ghanaians to stop treating the fight against illegal mining as a political battle, arguing that individuals linked to both the NPP and NDC have been involved in the destructive practice.
The traditional ruler said illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey, had continued under successive governments, making it unfair to direct blame at only one political administration.
Speaking at a stakeholder engagement on November 2, 2026, he recalled that illegal mining was widespread under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, particularly during the period leading up to elections.
He maintained that the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration was also facing similar challenges, with some individuals affiliated with the governing party allegedly participating in illegal mining.
“Because I have lived under the NPP, galamsey was there, especially a year or two before elections. They allowed their people to do mining. Right now, it is the NDC government in power, and yes, NDC people are also involved in illegal mining, most of them,” he stated.
Nana Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II expressed frustration over attempts to turn discussions about galamsey into partisan exchanges, warning that political arguments could distract stakeholders from addressing the problem.
He called for a united approach involving traditional authorities, government institutions and other stakeholders to protect the country’s natural resources.
“So, we don’t want a situation where, when we meet, instead of finding solutions to these issues, we try to politicise them. Let’s be careful,” he added.
In a further revelation, the paramount chief disclosed that he had personally caused the arrest of four chiefs within his traditional area over their alleged involvement in illegal mining.
According to him, the traditional leaders later appealed for leniency and signed bonds after being confronted over their involvement in the activity.
“I caused the arrest of four of my chiefs because they were involved in illegal mining. They pleaded with me, and they signed bonds,” he revealed.
The chief also challenged Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) and other stakeholders to acknowledge that illegal mining could involve individuals within their own institutions.
He insisted that tackling galamsey required honesty and accountability across all sectors, rather than concentrating criticism on traditional authorities alone.
Beyond the political debate, Nana Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II appealed to farmers and landholders not to release land acquired for agricultural purposes to illegal miners.
He warned that customary lands should not be diverted for mining activities that violate the law and urged traditional authorities to prevent the unauthorised allocation or use of such lands for illegal mining.
His remarks highlighted the need for a coordinated response to galamsey, with responsibility extending beyond political parties to traditional leaders, public institutions, landholders and communities.
