The Paramount Chief of the Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area, Nana Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, has criticised the politicisation of the fight against illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey, insisting that individuals affiliated with both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are involved in the practice.

The traditional ruler, who appeared visibly frustrated while addressing stakeholders, said illegal mining had persisted under successive governments, with individuals aligned with the parties allegedly participating in the destructive activity.

He argued that the fight against galamsey should not become a political contest but rather a collective effort aimed at finding sustainable solutions to protect Ghana's natural resources.

Speaking at a stakeholder engagement on November 2, 2026, Nana Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II recalled that illegal mining activities continued under the previous NPP administration, particularly in the period leading up to elections.

"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.

He cautioned stakeholders against turning discussions on illegal mining into partisan arguments, emphasising that the involvement of individuals from different political backgrounds should encourage collective action rather than political accusations.

"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 startling 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 subsequently pleaded for leniency and signed bonds after being confronted over their involvement in the unlawful 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.

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He also challenged Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) and other stakeholders to acknowledge that some individuals within their institutions could also be involved in illegal mining.

The chief stressed that the fight against galamsey required honesty and accountability from all sectors, rather than selective criticism directed at traditional authorities.

Nana Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II further called on farmers and landholders to desist from transferring lands acquired for agricultural purposes to illegal miners.

He warned that customary lands must not be diverted for mining activities that violate existing laws and regulations.

He also urged traditional authorities and relevant stakeholders to discourage the unauthorised allocation or use of customary lands for illegal mining operations.



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