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Natural Resources and Governance Analyst, Mr. Richard Elimah, has described the current fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, as poorly structured and politically influenced.
Speaking to Ghanatodayonline.com Reporter, Solomon Nimo, Mr. Elimah stressed that the fight against galamsey should not be reduced to politics but treated as a complex national issue that requires proper planning.
He criticized the government’s reliance on military deployment and the mere enactment of laws to clamp down on illegal miners, insisting that such measures are not yielding the expected results.
Mr. Elimah called on government to immediately adopt well-arranged strategies to stop the destruction of water bodies. He further suggested that making small-scale mining attractive and viable for Ghanaians will create more job opportunities for the youth and serve as a sustainable alternative to galamsey.
According to him, this approach will not only reduce illegal mining activities but also contribute positively to the nation’s economic growth.
There is strong public opposition to President John Dramani Mahama’s hesitation to declare a state of emergency in order to address illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
Prominent organizations like the Ghana Coalition against Galamsey (GCAG), the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference (GCBC), and the National Catholic Laity Council (NCLC) have criticized the president’s decision, calling the postponement of declaring a state of emergency a betrayal of the nation’s efforts to combat an existential threat.
In a statement released last Monday night and signed by Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyaamfi, the Catholic Bishop of Sunyani and President of the GCBC, the president was urged to declare a state of emergency right once in order to initiate unprecedented steps that would effectively address the threat.
Recently the President of the National Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association, Michael Kwadwo Peprah, urged the government to avoid adopting strategies used by the previous administration in the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Mr. Peprah said galamsey worsened over the past eight years despite several interventions, including the deployment of drones, the introduction of the GalamStop programme, military operations, and even a ban on small-scale mining.
He stressed the need for fresh and effective measures, noting that small-scale miners are optimistic about meaningful reforms under the current government.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com/Solomon Nimo
