Togbe Adze II Calls On Chiefs To Lead Fight Against Galamsey, Protect Environment

Story by Fada Amakye

His Royal Highness Togbe Adze II, Dufia of Fodome Agbesia of the Fodome Traditional Area*, has called on traditional leaders across Ghana to take responsibility in protecting the environment and fighting illegal mining, popularly known as _galamsey_.

Speaking at a forum on transnational organized crime, Togbe Adze II said the destruction caused by galamsey affects water bodies, the environment, and the health of citizens. He noted reports of birth defects in infants born to parents living in mining areas, which have been linked to chemicals used in the illegal activity. He also cited the high cost of water treatment as a result of polluted water sources.

“The menace of Galamsey is not lost on any of us at all. Adults, children, leaders, every sector of this country are concerned,”_ he said.

The traditional ruler added that the issue has a transborder dimension, as some of the gold from illegal mining may be smuggled across borders and nationals from other countries are also involved.

On the role of chiefs, Togbe Adze II said _“nature is the midwife of our traditions and customs”_ and therefore protecting the environment must be the utmost responsibility of every traditional ruler.

“As traditional rulers, protecting the environment which we all depend on should be our utmost responsibility. Everything that nature has given us to enable us thrive on God’s good earth must see protection from the hands of a traditional ruler,”_ he stated.

He urged fellow chiefs to continue educating their people and projecting moral values so that they become role models for the youth.

Speaking directly to young people, Togbe Adze II advised them to build their character, obey the laws of the country, and stay home to contribute to national development instead of seeking _“greener pastures”_ elsewhere due to peer pressure or hardship.

“This country has the right for its youth to be upright, well-educated, healthy, and be prepared to contribute their quota to national development,”_ he said.

GHCso-TOC Launches Coalition To Fight Human Trafficking In Ghana
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The Civil Society Coalition Against Transnational Organized Crime, Ghana, GHCso-TOC, has officially launched to help fight human trafficking and other transnational crimes in the country.

Speaking at the launch, Princess Yanney, a member of GHCso-TOC and the Southern Partners of the Coalition, said the move follows a national online forum held on .July 30, which was .World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

The forum, organized by Gyan Ghana with partners including DNA and others, was themed _“Trap Behind The Scam.”_ It focused on how victims are sometimes forced into crime and how the line between victim and offender often gets blurred.

According to Princess Yanney, 9 institutions have agreed to work together under the coalition. Some of them include *the Ghana Red Cross, Ghana Immigration Service, and Bank of Ghana*. The group will sign a declaration to make the partnership official.

“After today it is not going to end with just talking. We are going to have actionable steps. The media will be engaged, and we will ensure proper institutions are functional to address trafficking,”_ she said.

She added that the coalition will document all discussions and recommendations from the launch and follow up with real action to close gaps in recruitment, trafficking, and organized crime.

Princess Yanney urged the public not to dismiss the fight against crime as impossible.

“People are trying. So how about we see how it actually goes when all the proper efforts are put together,”_ she stated.

The coalition says it will continue to work with the media and all partners to ensure the fight against transnational organized crime is sustained.