Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, has opposed the call on President John Dramani Mahama to declare a state of emergency against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
The traditional ruler made the remarks after he and 20 other high court judges were sworn in as Court of Appeal Justices on Thursday, October 2, 2025.
Speaking to journalists after the swearing-in of new judges by President John Dramani Mahama, Justice Agyeman Badu II said, “No, no, it has not come to that. Let us look at how much Ghana gains in terms of galamsey. Once you declare a state of emergency, you ask yourself who can do what. If we’re not able to get those resources, there will be a gap. Ghana travel guide
“Nobody will argue that there shouldn’t be mining, but it should be done responsibly. That will solve the whole thing. People who are doing galamsey are destroying themselves; there’s a need to stop galamsey,” he stated.
He went on to state that traditional leaders have a role to play in the fight against galamsey.
He added that persons engaged in illegal mining were destroying the environment and must be arrested and prosecuted.
“I want to appeal to the chiefs; we, the chiefs, shouldn’t say we don’t have the power. If somebody is not allowing people to do galamsey, why can’t you do it? In Dormaa, if you come there, I will arrest you and give you to the police so that you will be prosecuted.
“They should ensure that the people do not engage in galamsey, because if you do it and you are arrested, you know the consequences already,” he added.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
