Galamsey: Bold, Unambiguous Move Essential

– To bring an end to the menace – Dr Manteaw

Story: Isaac AIDOO, Accra

THE Chairperson of the Civil Society Organisations Alliance, Dr. Steve Manteaw, has called on the government to make a bold and unambiguous statement on its commitment to ending illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey.

He stressed that such a bold move is essential to signal Ghana’s seriousness in tackling the environmental and economic menace that galamsey poses.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra, Dr. Manteaw underscored that the fight against galamsey has been undermined by complicity and corruption within the ranks of those empowered to enforce the laws.

“For far too long, we have paid lip service to the fight against galamsey. Oftentimes, those who have the power to lead the fight are themselves complicit,” he lamented.

He challenged the president to issue a directive that sends a clear message to both political appointees and the public that illegal mining will no longer be tolerated.

“If we get that bold statement, it becomes a clear message that this time around, Ghana means business in terms of curbing galamsey and repairing the damaged environment for our future generations,” Dr. Manteaw stated.

Corruption and Mining License Allocation

Dr. Manteaw also linked the galamsey menace to corruption in the allocation of mining licenses. He urged the government to demonstrate its commitment by addressing corruption not just in mining but across all sectors.

“We want the government to issue a bold statement on how it intends to fight corruption in general, including corruption in the allocation of mining licenses,” he said.

The Alliance’s efforts, according to Dr. Manteaw, will not end with issuing press statements. “We intend to engage the government, give credit where credit is due, and criticize where criticism is in order. We will support government efforts for as long as the government does not betray our trust,” he affirmed.

Recommendations from IES

Adding to Dr. Manteaw’s remarks, the Executive Director of the Institute for Energy Security (IES), Nana Amoasi VII, read a detailed statement outlining specific recommendations to address illegal mining and its associated challenges.

The statement called on the president to:

            •           Halt illegal mining activities immediately by issuing a directive that deters defaulters.

            •           Repeal the Environmental Protection Regulation 2022 (LI2462) and enhance enforcement of existing mining laws.

            •           Empower district and regional security councils to effectively enforce bans at the local level.

            •           Expedite prosecution of illegal miners by establishing a special court in collaboration with the Attorney General and Chief Justice.

“We applaud your pledge to ban mining in forest reserves and initiatives like the Tree for Life and Blue Water Initiative to rehabilitate degraded areas. However, illegal mining continues unabated, resulting in environmental degradation, the destruction of cocoa farms, and the pollution of vital water bodies,” the IES statement read.

Broader Environmental and Governance Concerns

The Alliance also highlighted the need for stronger environmental governance and broader reforms. Dr. Manteaw stressed that addressing the galamsey issue is intertwined with ensuring good governance, combating corruption, and promoting transparency in the resource allocation process.

The IES statement called for the passage of the Conduct of Public Officers Bill, pending since 2013, to reinforce ethical conduct among public officials. It also urged the government to strengthen procurement reforms, review political party financing laws, and empower state institutions to lead forensic audits and investigations into public scandals.

Collective Responsibility

Dr. Manteaw concluded by calling for collective action, urging citizens, civil society groups, and the private sector to support the government in tackling the menace. “We believe that fulfilling these commitments will not only ensure the sustainability of governance resources but also secure a prosperous and equitable future for all Ghanaians,” he emphasized. The Civil Society Organisations Alliance reaffirmed its commitment to engaging constructively with the government to achieve these goals, promising to continue providing solutions and holding the government accountable.