{
  "id": 14710242,
  "title": "Leave the Chiefs and fix the Galamsey Problem: Dr Solomon Owusu Advises President Mahama",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/leave-the-chiefs-and-fix-the-galamsey-problem-dr-solomon-owusu",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-15T13:27:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/leave-the-chiefs-and-fix-the-galamsey-problem-dr-solomon-owusu-advises-president-mahama/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Dr. Solomon Owusu, a knowledgeable individual, has expressed his disagreement with the President's approach to tackling illegal mining, also known as galamsey. He believes that the Chiefs in mining areas will not take any action against galamsey, as they are already involved or are aware of the issue. Dr. Owusu asks pointed questions about the Chiefs' involvement, such as whether they grant land to galamseyers, report illegal miners, or collect a share of the profits. He emphasizes that Chiefs do not have the authority to combat galamsey, but the President has the power to address the problem. Dr. Owusu highlights that despite the President's promises, there has been no significant improvement in the galamsey fight, with water bodies still polluted and lands degraded. He argues that using the military alone will not solve the problem, as both licensed small-scale miners and illegal galamseyers pollute the environment. Dr. Owusu calls for a standard operating procedure for mining activities to prevent pollution and land degradation. He criticizes the current approach, stating that it has failed previous governments and will continue to fail if the same strategy is used. Dr. Owusu suggests a technical approach that allows miners to operate without harming the environment. He expresses disappointment in the President for not fulfilling his campaign promises and urges the government to allocate sufficient budget to address the galamsey problem.",
  "summary": "I write to respectfully inform you that I completely disagree with you on your appeal to the Chiefs in the mining areas, concerning their support to the government’s fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. I can confidently tell you that these Chiefs will never take any action because they are already aware and some connive with the galamseyers on their respective lands.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Adom Online",
        "title": "Open letter to President Mahama: Leave the chiefs and fix galamsey",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/open-letter-to-president-mahama-leave-the-chiefs-and-fix-galamsey",
        "published": "2026-10-15T12:12:08.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}