Wenchi Youth Unlikely to Abandon ‘Galamsey’ as it Remains Their Sole Employment Source – Akyem Wenchi Chief

The Chief of Akyem Wenchi and Oseawuohene, Daasebre Dr. Asumadu Appiah, has expressed skepticism about the ongoing efforts to eliminate illegal mining, commonly known as ‘galamsey,’ in his community. During a recent visit by New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the chief highlighted the challenges his community faces regarding employment and the reliance on galamsey as the primary source of income for the youth.

Daasebre Asumadu Appiah emphasized that without providing alternative livelihood opportunities, the youth in Wenchi and its surrounding areas are unlikely to cease engaging in illegal mining activities. He urged the government to adopt a more practical approach to the issue by introducing a regulated community mining scheme. This, he argued, would allow the state to benefit financially while also preserving the environment.

“We don’t have any job opportunities within our community; the only job here is galamsey,” Daasebre Asumadu Appiah stated. He further elaborated that, “As for the galamsey, it is not something we can stop if you tell us to stop. So all we are asking is that you give us good policies and guidelines to do it.”

The chief also criticized the current practice of granting mining leases and permits from Accra without consulting local chiefs. He called for greater involvement of traditional leaders in managing natural resources, asserting that they, as custodians of the land, should have a significant role in overseeing mining activities.

In response, Dr. Bawumia acknowledged the importance of environmental protection and reiterated his administration’s commitment to promoting community mining schemes. He assured that traditional authorities would play active roles in the management and allocation of mining concessions.

“I think we haven’t gotten it right. For me, I think we should help small-scale mining, and if we can do it well, galamsey will also do well. We need a licensing regime to make it easy so that people can acquire the license to work,” Dr. Bawumia stated.

The exchange underscores the ongoing tension between economic survival and environmental protection in communities heavily dependent on galamsey.