On Friday, October 3, 2025, Modernghana reported that Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, the Paramount Chief of Dormaa, had issued a stern warning to illegal miners, stating that he will arrest and prosecute anyone discovered participating in galamsey in his region.
The Dormaahene, upon taking the oath of office as a Justice of the Court of Appeal at the Jubilee House on Thursday, October 2, made a personal commitment to eradicate galamsey from his domain.
He made it clear that he would not hesitate to arrest and turn over the suspect to the authorities in Dormaa in order to ensure that they would prosecute him.
The galamsey operators are damaging the environment, polluting waterways, and undermining Ghana’s future, according to the chief. He warned that there would be repercussions for individuals who partake in the practice.
He warned that galamsey practitioners were destroying themselves and that the practice should be stopped.
In a similar vein, Osagyefo Agyeman Badu II urged chiefs all over Ghana to assume personal accountability for their respective territories. When their homelands are in danger, he pushed them not to say they can’t do anything.
“I want to make a plea to the chiefs—to us chiefs, we should not claim we lack authority,” he admonished.
In response to the question of whether Ghana should impose a state of emergency in order to stop illicit mining, the Dormaahene shot down the proposal.
“No, no, that has not happened yet. First, we’ll take a look at the galamsey gains that Ghana experiences. You have to wonder who has the authority to do what when you declare a state of emergency. “There will be a gap if we can’t get those resources,” he explained.
While mining is essential, he stressed, it must be done with care so as not to deplete the nation’s natural resources.
Those fighting against galamsey have praised the Dormaahene’s remarks, as they are seen as a sign that traditional leaders in Ghana can prevent the further degradation of their country’s waterways and land.
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