Galamsey fight: Clear, action plan critical
THE menace of illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as galamsey, has plagued Ghana for far too long, causing widespread environmental degradation, economic losses, and significant harm to livelihoods.
Despite numerous promises from successive governments, the fight against galamsey continues to be undermined by a troubling mix of inaction, complicity, and corruption. It is high time the government backed its rhetoric with decisive and visible action.
Chairperson of the Civil Society Organisations Alliance, Dr. Steve Manteaw, has aptly highlighted a critical need for bold and unequivocal leadership in this fight. A mere declaration of intentions is no longer sufficient.
What Ghana needs now is a clear, actionable plan backed by strong political will to demonstrate that the days of turning a blind eye to galamsey are over.
The former president Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo made some commitments in the past to end illegal mining, even pledging to put his presidency on the line. However, the persistence of the problem raises questions about the commitment to enforcement and the involvement of state actors in perpetuating the issue.
Leadership by example must start at the highest levels of government. Political appointees, traditional leaders, and law enforcement agencies found complicit in illegal mining must face swift sanctions.
Equally, a clear directive that reiterates a zero-tolerance policy for galamsey is necessary to restore public confidence in the fight against this environmental scourge.
The linkage between galamsey and corruption in the issuance of mining licenses, as pointed out by Dr. Manteaw, is another pressing issue that demands immediate attention.
Addressing this requires a robust anti-corruption framework, including the swift passage of the Conduct of Public Officers Bill and stricter oversight mechanisms for state institutions.
Corruption feeds the galamsey menace, making it nearly impossible to enforce regulations or protect the country’s water bodies and forest reserves. Until corruption is tackled decisively, efforts to curb illegal mining will remain futile.
The recommendations from the Institute for Energy Security (IES) provide a roadmap for meaningful reform. From halting illegal mining activities immediately to repealing outdated regulations and empowering local authorities, the suggestions are practical and actionable. The establishment of a special court for prosecuting illegal miners could expedite justice and deter potential offenders.
Furthermore, initiatives like the Tree for Life and Blue Water Initiative, aimed at rehabilitating degraded environments, must be scaled up and aligned with community involvement to ensure their sustainability.
While the government bears the ultimate responsibility for enforcing laws and policies, the role of civil society and citizens cannot be overlooked. Collective action is crucial in holding government and other stakeholders accountable.
Civil society groups, such as the Alliance led by Dr. Manteaw, must continue to pressure the government while providing actionable solutions to the problem.
Citizens, on the other hand, must resist the lure of short-term gains from galamsey and embrace sustainable livelihoods that do not compromise the environment for future generations.
Ending galamsey is not just a political challenge; it is a moral and existential imperative. Ghana’s water bodies, farmlands, and forests are under siege, threatening the nation’s environmental health, agricultural productivity, and overall economic future.
We call on President John Dramani Mahama and his administration to demonstrate unwavering commitment by implementing the bold reforms that civil society has outlined. The time to act is now, and the government must seize this moment to restore hope and confidence in the nation’s ability to overcome the galamsey menace.
Anything less than decisive and visible action will not only betray the trust of Ghanaians but also jeopardize the very future of the country. Let us not wait until the damage becomes irreversible before we act. The fight against galamsey is a fight for Ghana’s survival.
