The Chief of Santrokofi Benua in the Guan District of the Oti Region, Nana Kofi Ollator IV, has urged traditional rulers to prioritise the long-term welfare of their communities when making decisions to release customary lands for mining activities.
He cautioned chiefs against allowing immediate financial considerations to influence decisions that could result in the destruction of farmlands, water bodies, forests and other natural resources that communities depend on for their livelihoods.
Nana Ollator said the consequences of poorly considered mining agreements could extend beyond the current generation and have lasting implications for the future of entire traditional areas.
“Whatever good or bad comes out of the release of our lands will affect not only the present generation but also the future of the chiefdom,” he said.
The Chief made the remarks at a one-day environmental protection workshop organised by the Accelerated Rural Development Organisation (ARDO) at Kadjebi in the Oti Region.
The workshop, held under the theme “Safe Environment from Galamsey Menace,” brought stakeholders together to raise awareness about environmental protection and the responsible management of natural resources.
Nana Ollator stressed that traditional authorities, as custodians of customary lands, had a major responsibility to ensure that decisions on mining were guided by proper consideration of their environmental and socio-economic consequences.
He advised chiefs to consult state institutions, environmental experts and members of their communities before approving mining activities, particularly where such operations could affect farming, water resources and other sources of livelihood.
He also called for greater community participation in decisions involving traditional lands, saying residents should have the opportunity to understand and contribute to decisions that could fundamentally alter their environment and economic activities.
According to him, the effects of irresponsible mining could be widespread and difficult to reverse where adequate safeguards were not put in place.
Nana Ollator further urged mining companies operating in traditional areas to strictly comply with environmental regulations and undertake proper reclamation of degraded lands after mining activities.
He called for closer collaboration among chiefs, local authorities and regulatory agencies to monitor mining operations and ensure that companies honoured their environmental and social obligations.
The Chief said environmental protection could not be left to one group, stressing that traditional authorities, government institutions, mining companies and communities all had a role to play in safeguarding Ghana’s natural resources.
He warned that development should not be pursued at the expense of the environment and the livelihoods of generations yet to come.
A participant at the workshop, Mr John Adjadja, a former Assemblyman for the Wawaso/Wawaboi Electoral Area, commended ARDO for organising the programme, describing it as an important eye-opener for residents.
Mr Adjadja said the workshop was particularly timely because residents were preparing for the commencement of iron ore mining activities at Gyamonome, a farming community in the district.
He said discussions on responsible mining and environmental protection were therefore important to help communities understand the potential implications of mining and the need for appropriate safeguards.
