The Volta Regional Youth Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mathias Alagbo, has alleged that some traditional leaders are profiting from illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, and that this is why they remain silent on the national fight against galamsey.
Discussing the impacts of galamsey on the PrimeMorning Show on Wednesday, October 15, Mr Alagbo explained that many galamsey operations take place within communities under the authority of chiefs who are fully aware of such activities.
Mr. Alagbo claimed the reluctance of some chiefs to speak out stems from their personal participation and the benefits they derive from the proceeds of illegal mining.
“Have you seen any chief and his community people demonstrating against galamsey as we speak today? No, because they are all participating and they are all benefiting from it,” he alleged.
He said that if traditional rulers were genuinely committed to ending the practice, it could be stopped immediately.
“The day that our chiefs, our community leaders, our youth say that, in my community there will be no galamsey, that will be the end of galamsey,” he said.
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Mr Alagbo, however, commended the few traditional rulers who have taken a principled stance against the environmental destruction caused by galamsey, urging them to continue their advocacy.
“The few community leaders and the chiefs who are speaking up against galamsey need to be encouraged and we are encouraging many more to join the fight, that is why our education and collaboration is key,” he said.
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