Central Regional Minister, Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, has pledged to prioritize development projects in communities actively combating illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey.” This incentive aims to motivate communities grappling with this environmental menace to join the fight for collective benefit. Eduamoah, speaking during a visit to a ravaged mining site at Assin-Ewusem in the Fosu Central Municipality, stressed the urgency of addressing this destructive practice driven by the greed of a few, which jeopardizes the nation’s future. He emphasized the collective responsibility of all stakeholders, especially traditional leaders and affected communities, in this national endeavor.
The Minister and his team witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of galamsey, encountering an area exceeding ten football fields, scarred by illegal mining operations. The site, located a mere five-minute drive from the community, bore witness to abandoned excavators, “chanfans” (gold extraction equipment), and other heavy machinery, indicative of the extensive environmental damage inflicted on the land and the Okye River, which feeds into the Pra River and eventually, the Atlantic Ocean. The presence of mounds of soil, makeshift shelters, and dugout pits containing greenish, potentially contaminated water further underscored the severity of the situation. Disturbingly, children were observed bathing in and fetching water from these polluted ponds, highlighting the immediate health risks posed by these activities.
Appalled by the scale of destruction, Eduamoah lamented the sacrifice of the region’s rich natural resources and peaceful communities to the altar of greed. He reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating illegal mining, particularly in water bodies, emphasizing transparency and collaboration in the effort. He stressed the critical role of diverse stakeholders, from chiefs and security agencies to local authorities and citizens, in combating this illegal activity and restoring the environment.
Eduamoah underlined the importance of involving traditional leaders in spearheading the fight against galamsey. He reiterated President Akufo-Addo’s unwavering stance against illegal mining and his commitment to holding perpetrators accountable, regardless of their status. Following the site visit, the Council engaged with community elders, who pledged their support in collaborating with security agencies to eradicate the menace. Assemblyman Gregory Ankomah Gyakye echoed this commitment, expressing his willingness to mobilize the community to actively participate in the fight.
However, the Minister’s call to action met with resistance from some community members who voiced concerns about the economic impact of halting illegal mining. They pointed to the lack of alternative employment opportunities, highlighting galamsey as the primary source of livelihood for youth in the area, aside from the few employed in teaching and nursing. These residents demanded dialogue with the government to negotiate terms and conditions for transitioning away from illegal mining, arguing that without viable alternatives, they would find it difficult to abandon their current activities. Their concerns underscored the complex socio-economic dimensions intertwined with the fight against illegal mining.
This complex situation in Assin-Ewusem exemplifies the broader challenges facing Ghana in its struggle against galamsey. The government’s commitment to eradication faces resistance from communities economically reliant on this illicit activity. Finding sustainable alternative livelihood options for these communities becomes crucial in achieving long-term success in combating illegal mining and restoring the environment. The call for dialogue between the government and affected communities highlights the need for a nuanced approach, recognizing both the environmental imperative and the socio-economic realities on the ground. Addressing these concerns through collaborative efforts and sustainable solutions will be essential in achieving a lasting victory against galamsey in Ghana. The stark contrast between the environmental degradation and the community’s economic reliance on illegal mining presents a significant challenge for the government, necessitating comprehensive strategies that address both the environmental and socio-economic dimensions of the problem.
