Western North Region
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Aowin, Stephen Morcher, has called on traditional leaders, known as Nananom, to play a critical role in the fight against illegal mining activities, popularly referred to as galamsey.
Speaking at a community engagement program organized by the Minerals Commission in Jensue, Morcher revealed that many galamsey operations are initiated only after rituals or sacrifices are performed by local traditional leaders. He explained that without these rituals, illegal miners would not proceed with their operations.
Before any galamsey activity begins in a community, Nananom are often invited to the site to perform certain rituals. This shows the level of influence they hold in these operations.
He emphasized that if the country is truly committed to ending illegal mining, then the involvement of traditional leaders must be addressed directly. According to him, traditional authorities have the power to halt the practice by refusing to perform rituals that bless or endorse such activities.
No galamseyer can work on the land without the backing of Nananom through these ritual performances. If Nananom are serious about protecting the environment and our future, then they must stop performing these rituals for illegal miners.
The MCE further commended the Minerals Commission for educating the people of Jensue on responsible and cooperative mining practices. He noted that awareness and education are key, but the support of community leaders is crucial to achieving lasting results.
Morcher appealed to traditional leaders across the country to rise to the occasion and join the fight against galamsey by refusing to legitimize the practice through traditional means.
This fight cannot be won by government alone. We need Nananom to stand with us and help end this menace once and for all.
