The 2024 flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has promised to involve traditional leaders in the pivotal process of granting mining licenses in Ghana if he secures victory in the upcoming December elections. 

He stressed that integrating traditional leaders into the licensing process is a crucial step towards addressing the destructive impact of illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as galamsey.

Mr Mahama highlighted the significant role traditional leaders play within their respective communities, underscoring that their insights and involvement are indispensable in tackling the galamsey menace effectively.

Mr Mahama emphasised the need to harness their knowledge of local issues and authority to ensure that mining activities are conducted responsibly and sustainably, with due consideration for environmental and community welfare.

During his address at the 3rd Annual Transformational Dialogue on Small-scale Mining at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) in Sunyani, the former president expressed deep concern about the detrimental effects of illegal mining on various sectors of the Ghanaian economy. 

He pledged to take decisive actions, including banning mining in water bodies and imposing restrictions on permit issuance for activities within forested areas, to curb the adverse impacts of galamsey.

“One of the impacts of illegal mining, including galamsey, has been the destruction of forests and cocoa farms. We will protect the destruction of cocoa farms for mining and effectively ban the issuance of entry permits into forests. Mining in water bodies will be outrightly prohibited."

“Recognising the invaluable role of traditional leaders in our society and as a testament to our commitment to inclusivity and respect for all stakeholders, I intend to have traditional leaders included in the crucial process of granting mining licences in their communities," he said.