Ghana Geospatial Society calls for one-year ban on small-scale and community mining amidst galamsey crisis
The Ghana Geospatial Society (GGS) has strongly condemned the ongoing illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, which continue to cause widespread environmental, health, and economic damage across the country.
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In a press release signed by the President of Ghana Geospatial Society, Michael Nyoagbe, the GGS called for a one-year suspension of all forms of small-scale and community mining to tackle the crisis and implement necessary reforms for better regulation and oversight.
The GGS, a professional body dedicated to advancing geospatial science and technology, expressed grave concern over the destruction caused by galamsey and stressed that the country has reached a **critical point**. The society believes that the temporary ban will allow for a thorough assessment of the damage and pave the way for more effective regulatory measures and monitoring systems to be put in place.
In the statement, the GGS underscored the importance of differentiating between legal small-scale mining and galamsey. While small-scale mining is recognized and regulated under Ghana’s **Mineral and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703)**, galamsey refers to mining activities conducted without the necessary permits or licenses, often leading to severe environmental degradation. Small-scale mining is regulated, covering concession areas up to 50 acres, but the GGS acknowledged that these operations are sometimes infiltrated by illegal miners who exacerbate the environmental damage.
The GGS pointed out that illegal mining has evolved from traditional artisanal methods to more destructive practices, with galamsey operators increasingly using advanced machinery such as excavators and dredgers. These unregulated activities often occur in sensitive areas, including water bodies, non-designated lands, and even large-scale mining concessions, contributing significantly to environmental degradation and socio-economic instability.
Although small-scale mining is legal, the GGS warned that its environmental impact is often severe, with significant damage observed in areas where both small-scale and community mining schemes operate. The Community Mining Scheme (CMS), introduced to allow local communities to participate in small-scale mining legally, was intended to promote environmental protection and responsible practices. However, the society noted that the CMS has not been as effective as hoped, with many mining operations linked to widespread environmental destruction.
The Minerals Commission employs various tools to monitor mining activities, including drone surveillance, Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, and on-site inspections. Despite these efforts, the GGS highlighted key weaknesses in the monitoring process, such as inadequate real-time surveillance, limited integration of advanced technologies, insufficient community engagement, and widespread corruption. These factors have hampered efforts to curb illegal mining activities and ensure that environmental safeguards are properly enforced.
To address these challenges, the GGS made several recommendations. It emphasized the need for enhanced use of geospatial technologies such as advanced GIS and remote sensing for real-time monitoring of mining activities. The society also called for an expanded use of drones and satellite imagery to improve surveillance of mining sites. In addition, the GGS proposed establishing a centralized data management system to improve coordination among regulators and increasing community involvement in monitoring and reporting illegal mining activities.
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The society further stressed the importance of **training regulatory staff** in the latest technologies and best practices for monitoring, as well as restricting mining activities to designated areas to protect water bodies and ensure food security. The GGS also urged **political leaders** to strengthen governance reforms and address the pervasive corruption that undermines regulatory efforts.
In its press release, the GGS reaffirmed its commitment to combating illegal mining by offering its technical expertise in **GIS**, **remote sensing**, and data analysis. The society proposed conducting training programs for regulators and community members, as well as partnering on research initiatives aimed at improving monitoring and enforcement. The GGS called on all stakeholders to unite in the fight against galamsey and illegal mining, using every available tool to protect Ghana’s environment and secure the nation’s future.
“We urge all stakeholders to join forces in combating galamsey and illegal mining, using every tool at our disposal to protect our nation’s future,” said Michael Nyoagbe, President of the Ghana Geospatial Society.
Read the press release below;