Pulling down the veil on government’s involvement in the “galamsey” menace

It is an undeniable fact that illegal or self-styled mining for precious minerals such as  gold has become  a national canker that is destroying our dear nation  Ghana. You may all be aware that “galamsey” is the term generally used to refer to illegal small-scale mining. 

Upon the assumption of office, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo pledged to fight the illegal mining menace.

Unfortunately, years down the line the effects of what he pledged to fight with his presidency are not only devastating but far-reaching to the extent that some individuals within the ruling party are purported to be involved in the illegal mining of the precious mineral, gold.  

“Galamsey” is destroying our forests, polluting our aquatic ecosystem, and causing soil degradation. These activities have adverse effects on our health, wildlife, and the environment as a whole. As a result of “galamsey”, many communities in Ghana have lost their sources of livelihood, and many people have lost their lives due to the harmful chemicals used in these activities.

On January 27, 2020, the then Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation of Ghana, Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, revealed that about 500 excavators that were seized from illegal miners by a task force set up by the President of Ghana had gone missing. These  excavators that  were kept  at the various offices of Government later disappeared like a fart in the wind. Do we call this a fight? How can we win the fight  when Ministers of State leading the fight are encouraging or agreeing with party supporters to engage in “galamsey”. 

Worse of all, the so called “Operation Vangaurd” which is supposed to be a joint military and police task force set up to protect the  affected areas or sites are now protecting the interest of Government officials as well as  party executives engaged in “galamsey”. 

In a recent report published by Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng suggested that the President’s nephew Gabby Otchere Darko affectionately  known as the de - facto Prime Minister  defended and shielded a foreign company which was actively destroying our  environment, specifically River Offin in Apaprama and Kobro forest. The poignant back backstory of all is that, after all the failed attempts to stop the menace, a presidential Staffer appointed secretary of the committee to fight against galamsey is also mentioned and is currently under investigations for corruption by the Special Prosecutor.

To address the “galamsey” problem, it is imperative that we work together, both the Government, political parties and the people. The Government needs to put in place laws and regulations that will prevent illegal mining activities and enforce these laws strictly with zero tolerance. The Government should also collaborate with foreign entities and international organizations to curb the importation of chemicals used in “galamsey” and prevent the exportation of illegally mined minerals.

Eradicating “galamsey” is not only the responsibility of the Government the citizenry must also play their  part. We must stop patronizing illegally mined minerals and report any suspicious mining activities in our communities to the authorities. We must also educate ourselves and our communities about the dangers of “galamsey” and the importance of protecting our environment.

To support the youth, we must provide them with alternative sources of livelihood. The Government and other organizations can provide vocational and entrepreneurial training programs to help them acquire skills that will enable them to be self-sufficient. The youth can also be encouraged to take up farming, which is a viable alternative to “galamsey”.

In conclusion, “galamsey” is a menace that must be dealt with urgently. We must all come together to eradicate this problem to protect our environment and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. Let us work hand in hand with the government to put an end to galamsey in Ghana.

Jerry Kweku Quainoo
Agona Swedru.