Akyem Wenchi: Youth will not stop galamsey because there are no jobs -Chief to Bawumia
The Chief of Akyem Wenchi and Oseawuohene in the Eastern Region, Daasebre Dr. Asumadu Appiah, has openly acknowledged that efforts to end illegal mining, or “galamsey,” in his community are unlikely to succeed without providing alternative employment opportunities.
During a visit by NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the chief emphasized that galamsey remains the primary source of livelihood for the youth in Wenchi and surrounding areas, making it difficult to eradicate.
Daasebre Appiah proposed that the government introduce a regulated community mining scheme as a more effective approach, allowing the state to benefit financially while preserving the environment. He also called for greater involvement of traditional leaders in managing natural resources, criticizing the central government for issuing mining permits without consulting local chiefs.
“We don’t have any job opportunities within our community; the only job here is galamsey. As for the galamsey, it is not something we can stop if you tell us to stop. So all we asking is that you give us good policies and guidelines to do it. That is all we are asking from you that bring us those policies. You guys have said we should do community mining so for instance, I have sent an application to the district to do it.”
In response, Dr. Bawumia emphasized the need to protect the environment and expressed his administration’s commitment to promoting community mining schemes with a more flexible licensing process, ensuring that traditional authorities play a key role in managing 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 said.
