Chairman of the Ghana Extractives Transparency Initiative, Dr. Steve Manteaw, has emphasised the critical role of traditional authorities in tackling the persistent issue of illegal mining.

Speaking during the constitutional review committee stakeholder meeting, he highlighted the failure of past efforts to curb illegal mining and pointed to the institution of chieftaincy as a potential ally in the fight against the menace.

Dr. Manteaw noted that Parliament, as a representative body of the people, plays a significant role in the allocation of mining licenses.

He suggested that ideally, Members of Parliament (MPs) would have consulted with their constituents before approving any contracts. However, he acknowledged that the ongoing battle against illegal mining has exposed weaknesses in governance structures, necessitating the inclusion of traditional authorities in enforcement efforts.

"We can work with the chiefs and be able to stem illegal mining because they are revered in the areas they preside over," Dr. Manteaw stated.

Citing a successful case, Dr. Manteaw referenced the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who, in collaboration with the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), investigated and took decisive action against chiefs involved in illegal mining activities.

This, he argued, demonstrates that chieftaincy can be instrumental in addressing the crisis, given the reverence and authority traditional leaders command in their respective jurisdictions.