Hot Source…As galamsey raids intensify
The Chiefs of Abosso and Bompieso in the Prestea Huni Valley Municipality of the Western Region have issued a strong warning to politicians allegedly backing illegal mining operations, urging them to desist from interfering in their traditional lands.
The traditional leaders condemned the ongoing destruction caused by illegal miners commonly referred to as galamseyers. They expressed grave concern over alleged political support for these activities within the constituency and beyond.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, and signed by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Abosso Royal Palace, Paa Baidoe, on behalf of Nana Kwasi Appiah II, the Odikro of Abosso, the chiefs expressed their firm backing for recent anti-galamsey operations led by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operational Support (NAIMOS) team in collaboration with National Security.
According to the statement, the chiefs and elders played a pivotal role in facilitating the raids, having petitioned the relevant state authorities, including the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
“We are grateful to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources for swiftly responding to our calls and initiating the clearance of all illegal miners operating on our lands without permission,” the statement read.
The chiefs called for a return to responsible and sustainable mining practices to help preserve the farmlands, forests, and water bodies that their ancestors had inherited.
“We are fully aware of the illegal activities being carried out by some politicians who are aiding the destruction of our environment with impunity,” the statement continued. “We are sending a clear message: stay off our lands. We will not sit back and watch our natural heritage be destroyed.”
In a separate declaration, the Chiefs and Elders reaffirmed their full support for the ongoing anti-galamsey operations, emphasising that the security raids have their full consent and are not politically driven.
“The operation aims to rid our lands of unauthorised individuals and groups who have for years unlawfully encroached on and degraded our environment,” they said.
They further commended the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, the Minister for the Interior, and the Minister for Defence for heeding their persistent calls and acting decisively.
As allodial owners of lands spanning Abosso, Huniso, and Bompieso, the chiefs made clear that they have neither knowledge of nor involvement in the activities of illegal miners, and disassociated themselves from any attempts to exploit the land for unlawful purposes.
They again warned politicians, both within and outside the Prestea Huni Valley Municipality, to cease enabling or supporting illegal miners.
“We caution all politicians who may be backing recalcitrant individuals or groups to desist. Nananom will not tolerate any further illegality and will resist such actions through all lawful means,” they declared.
Reiterating their commitment to responsible land stewardship, the traditional authorities emphasised their duty to protect the environment for future generations.
“As custodians of these lands, we collectively bear the responsibility of safeguarding our forest zones and water sources,” they said.
The release concluded with a call for continued vigilance and support for the security agencies spearheading the anti-galamsey efforts.
“This exercise is a collective effort to restore sanity to our lands and to protect the well-being of our citizens. We urge the security agencies to remain resolute. Nananom are firmly behind them.”
Below is the full statement..
Dated Tuesday 5, August 2025
For Immediate Release
ABOSSO, BOMPIESO CHIEFS ENDORSE GALAMSEY RAIDS BY SECURITY OPERATIVES- WARN POLITICIANS TO KEEP OFF OUR LANDS
We, the Chiefs and Elders of Abosso and Bompieso communities in the Prestea Huni Valley Municipality of the Western Region, do hereby affirm and endorse the ongoing galamsey raids by the joint security led by the NAIMOS and the National Security, mainly to clear all unauthorised groups and individuals who have for some years encroached on our lands.
We are happy that the raid is taking place in our area and would like to commend and thank the Lands and Natural Resources Minister, the Interior Minister and the Defence Minister for adhering to our calls, which have led to this raid.
As traditional leaders and allodia owners of the lands in the area, which stretch from Abosso, Huniso and Bompieso, we do not know the activities of the illegal miners, also known as galamseyers, who have years being destroying our lands, farmlands and water bodies with impunity and ably supported by some section of the political actors, especially in government and in the municipality.
We wish to use this medium to warn all politicians within and outside the Prestea Huni Valley Municipality who have taken it upon themselves to encourage any recalcitrant individuals or groups further encroaching on our lands, mainly to engage in illegal mining activities, to refrain from hiding behind them to support and perpetuate any form of further illegality on our lands as Nanaom will resist such advancement through the appropriate legal and lawful avenues.
Nananom uphold and believe in responsible mining, and that is what we are calling for, and not any act of indiscipline that leads to the destruction of our natural resources, which were handed over to us by our ancestors.
As custodians, it is our collective decision and responsibility to protect our forest zones and water bodies.
Nananom would like to reiterate that the raid being conducted is a collective effort and has our consent, as the traditional leadership of Abosso and Bompieso, who are committed to the safety and well-being of our citizens, and is devoid of any form of irresponsible mining activities.
We, through this release, urge the security agencies responsible for the raid to continue their good work, which is aimed at protecting our forest that is currently under siege by both political, as Nananom are firmly behind them.
END
Signed
Paa Baidoo
0248996408
PRO
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