Professor Kwamena Ahwoi says the most effective way to stop galamsey is to empower traditional authorities, because they own the land and can enforce local decisions swiftly.
Speaking at the National Dialogue on Decentralisation and Responsive Governance, he argued that when chiefs have clear legal backing and practical tools, they can shut down galamsey operations within their jurisdictions.
He cited Gomoa as an example, an area with gold deposits but no galamsey activity, crediting the resolve of a strong local chief who has publicly warned off illegal miners.
“The chiefs are the best people to deal with galamsey. They own the land, and they can stop it if you empower them.”
Prof. Ahwoi’s proposal is simple but forceful: put chiefs at the centre of anti-galamsey efforts, pair that mandate with real authority and accountability, and align the work of security agencies to support, not undermine, local decisions.
According to him, this would “strengthen the hands of those who can deal with galamsey,” and reduce the cycle of raids followed by quick returns to illegal sites.
He also urged government to move away from a “top-down” approach that treats communities as passive recipients of directives. Instead, local leaders should be partners in enforcement, with clear reporting lines, community monitoring, and transparent sanctions that actually bite.
This, he believed would make anti-galamsey actions credible, consistent, and owned by the people most affected.
