Okuapehene Raises Concerns Over Unapproved Mining License in Akuapem
The Omanhene of the Akuapem Traditional Area, Osaedeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, has expressed deep concerns over the issuance of a prospecting license to a mining firm to operate within his jurisdiction without his knowledge or consent.
According to the traditional leader, the previous government granted a prospecting license for mining activities in Mangoase and Kukua, both of which fall under the Akuapem Traditional Area. However his office was not consulted or informed about the decision.
Osaedeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III revealed this during a meeting with the Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, where he called for greater involvement of traditional leaders in the regulation of mining activities.
The Okuapehene stated that he only discovered the existence of the mining license by chance when he came across the document at his traditional council office.
I wasn’t informed about it when the prospecting license was given. Nobody told me about it; I just happened to come across it, and I wrote to the ministry but never received a response,” he lamented.
He emphasized the importance of including traditional authorities in mining-related decisions to ensure that chiefs can work together with the government to prevent illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
“So, madam minister, I believe all my colleagues will agree with me, and Ghana as a whole will agree with me, that Nananom must be informed about what is coming into our territory. That way, we can work with the central government to maintain peace and help reduce the galamsey issue that we have,” he added.
Mahama Government Takes Stronger Measures Against Galamsey
The fight against illegal mining has been a major challenge in Ghana, with serious environmental consequences, including deforestation, water pollution, and land degradation.
Since President John Dramani Mahama assumed office in January 2025, his administration has intensified efforts to combat illegal mining. The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, recently announced the revocation of all small-scale mining licenses issued after December 7, 2024.
The government argues that many of these licenses were hastily granted in the final days of the previous administration, leading to an increase in illegal mining activities.
Despite these measures, the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has accused the Mahama administration of lacking a true commitment to tackling illegal mining.
The issue of prospecting licenses and the involvement of traditional authorities remains a contentious topic. The concerns raised by the Okuapehene highlight the need for better coordination between the government and traditional leaders in managing Ghana’s natural resources.
As the country continues its fight against galamsey, it remains to be seen how effectively the government will balance economic interests, environmental sustainability, and respect for traditional leadership in the mining sector.