The President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs and Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, has dismissed calls for a state of emergency to be declared over illegal mining, describing the move as unnecessary.

The Dormaahene, who was sworn in this week alongside 20 others as a Justice of the Court of Appeal, under his private name, His Lordship Daniel Mensah, made the remarks amid renewed pressure on government to take tougher action against the galamsey menace.

Civil society groups are expected to raise the issue at a meeting with President John Dramani Mahama tomorrow, October 3, 2025.

The Dormaahene acknowledged that illegal mining had not been completely eradicated but insisted the situation had improved significantly compared to previous years.

According to him, measures introduced by the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) government had reduced water pollution and curbed encroachment on forest reserves, though the fight was far from over.

“We should ensure that we nip this situation in the bud,” he urged.

The Dormaahene also issued a stern warning to illegal miners in his traditional area, stressing that offenders faced a minimum prison sentence of 15 years.

He appealed to chiefs and community leaders to use their authority to stop destructive practices, adding that mining must be carried out responsibly to protect water bodies, cocoa farms, and the country’s natural heritage.