By Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has pledged that, if elected president, his administration will establish an inclusive government focused on empowering traditional leaders in the fight against illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
This promise was made during the fourth day of his 15-day campaign tour as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate in the Kwabre East Constituency.
In a meeting with local chiefs and traditional leaders, Dr. Bawumia emphasized the vital role that traditional leadership plays in combating the menace of galamsey.
Acknowledging the significant challenges posed by illegal mining, he called for a collaborative approach that involves not only government agencies but also local leadership to effectively tackle the issue.
“The fight against illegal mining requires everyone’s involvement, especially our traditional leaders who understand the impact on their communities,” Dr. Bawumia noted.
Dr. Bawumia emphasized his intention to revise the laws to include chiefs in the governance structure, stating, “We have neglected chiefs in our governance system since 1957, but you’re custodians of the lands. I am coming to change the law to include you in our governance structure. We are coming to grant licenses for mining, and that must have chiefs included.”
He added, “I want to change the law, Section 63 of the Chieftaincy Act. We are giving more powers to the chiefs to help us in the management and the governance of our country.”
The Vice President promised that, under his leadership, traditional leaders would be empowered and actively included in the decision-making processes concerning natural resources and environmental conservation.
