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The Financial Secretary of the Amansie South Small-Scale Miners Association, Mr. Isaac Anning, says the fight against illegal mining, also known as galamsey, cannot be won immediately or through military force.
He explained that dealing with the problem will take time and careful planning.
Mr. Anning noted that small-scale miners work in groups and can be monitored, but galamsey operators usually work alone, making it difficult to track them. He said even security officers may not know where individual illegal miners operate.
He therefore urged government to form community task forces involving chiefs, assembly members, and local committees.
According to him, these local leaders know every corner of their areas and can help identify illegal miners better than people from outside.
Mr. Anning stressed that fighting galamsey is a process, not an event. He warned that rushing the fight could make local leaders lose interest. “You cannot fight galamsey at once. It will take time,” he said.
The demonstration, which took place on Ghana’s Founder’s Day, demanded swift and forceful action to stop the immense damage brought on by illicit mining.
Holding banners and placards, protesters urged President John Dramani Mahama to protect Ghana’s future, its land, and its waterways in remembrance of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the country’s first president.
The group contended that the country’s food security, access to clean water, and the existence of future generations are all at risk due to the environmental damage brought on by galamsey.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com/Nana Akosua Amankwah
