The newly sworn-in Justice of the Court of Appeal, His Lordship Daniel Mensah — known traditionally as Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, Dormaahene and President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs — has pledged to intensify the fight against illegal mining in his jurisdiction.
Speaking shortly after his swearing-in alongside 20 other justices this week, the Dormaahene warned that illegal miners operating in his traditional area would face a minimum prison term of 15 years if caught, emphasizing that the law must take its full course.
He stressed that chiefs and community leaders had a duty to act as custodians of the environment, urging them to use their authority to curb destructive practices that threaten water bodies, cocoa farms, and forest reserves.
While acknowledging that illegal mining had not been completely eliminated, the Dormaahene commended the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) government for introducing measures that, in his view, had reduced water pollution and curbed encroachment into protected areas.
“We should ensure that we nip this situation in the bud,” he urged, highlighting that the fight was far from over.
His comments come at a time when civil society groups are pressing government to adopt tougher strategies, including the possible declaration of a state of emergency — a proposal he dismissed as unnecessary.
By combining his new judicial role with his traditional authority, the Dormaahene signaled a strong stance against galamsey, pledging that both customary and legal instruments would be used to safeguard Ghana’s natural resources.
