The Paramount Chief of Twifo, Obrempong Appiah Nuamah II, has urged government to empower local communities to play a leading role in the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
He noted that the current national taskforce has struggled to produce significant results, partly because its members are unfamiliar with the local terrain and are often accused of corruption.
To address this, the Omanhene proposed the establishment of district-based taskforces composed of local youth. He explained that community members are better placed to track illegal mining activities since they know both the terrain and the individuals involved.
Obrempong Appiah Nuamah further cautioned that enforcement alone cannot end galamsey. He identified unemployment as a key driver, stressing that many young people resort to illegal mining because it offers quicker financial rewards than conventional jobs.
He therefore called on government to create sustainable employment opportunities for the youth, insisting that economic empowerment remains the most effective way to curb the menace.
