Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, spearheading the Media Coalition against Illegal Mining, has intensified calls for more stringent penalties, including imprisonment, for foreign nationals involved in illegal mining activities, commonly known as “galamsey.” He contends that the current practice of deportation serves as an inadequate deterrent, ultimately undermining efforts to combat this illicit industry. Ashigbey advocates for the identification and apprehension of key players, particularly those who provide financial backing for these operations, to effectively dismantle the networks driving illegal mining. He further urges the government to declare a state of emergency in affected areas, arguing that such a measure would provide the necessary impetus for stakeholders to address the issue with the urgency it demands. This declaration, he believes, should be accompanied by a robust system to track all excavators operating within the country, enhancing transparency and accountability in the mining sector. Finally, Ashigbey calls for the complete repeal of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, which currently permits mining within forest reserves, expressing his strong disagreement with the government’s attempts to merely review the legislation.
The existing legislative framework, Ashigbey emphasizes, is insufficient to address the complexities of illegal mining. He believes that a more radical approach is needed, one that completely overhauls the mining licencing regime. This overhaul, he contends, will be crucial in sanitizing the sector and preventing further environmental degradation. The government’s current attempts to review the legislation, he argues, are mere window dressing that fail to address the core issues enabling illegal mining to flourish. He insists on a comprehensive restructuring of the legal framework governing mining activities to effectively combat the menace of “galamsey” and protect Ghana’s natural resources. This includes stronger regulations, stricter enforcement, and a clear commitment to prosecuting those involved in illegal mining, regardless of their position or influence.
Daryl Bosu, Deputy Director of A-Rocha Ghana, echoes Ashigbey’s concerns and advocates for a complete overhaul of the mining licensing regime. He argues that the current system is directly responsible for the pervasive illegal mining crisis plaguing the country. Bosu points to the government’s revocation of licenses issued after December 7 due to procedural irregularities as evidence of systemic flaws. He questions the oversight mechanisms that allowed these licenses to be issued in the first place and calls for accountability. Specifically, he questions the continued tenure of the head of the Minerals Commission, suggesting that their presence obstructs a genuine “cleansing exercise” within the sector. The issuance of licenses for mining in ecologically sensitive areas, such as major rivers and forest reserves, further underscores the need for sweeping reforms within the Minerals Commission and the entire licensing process, Bosu argues.
Bosu’s criticisms highlight the potential for corruption and negligence within the licensing process. The fact that licenses were granted for mining operations in protected areas suggests a disregard for environmental regulations and potentially indicates collusion between officials and illegal mining operators. He believes that a thorough investigation is needed to uncover the full extent of these irregularities and to hold those responsible accountable. Furthermore, he emphasizes the need for transparent and robust licensing procedures to prevent future abuses and ensure that mining activities are conducted in a sustainable and responsible manner. The continued presence of the current head of the Minerals Commission, he argues, poses a significant obstacle to achieving these objectives.
Martin Kpebu, a private legal practitioner, adds another dimension to the discussion by advocating for a reshuffle of police command heads within identified illegal mining zones. He argues that the existing familiarity between local police commanders and illegal miners hinders effective law enforcement. This familiarity, he suggests, has fostered an environment of complicity, where illegal activities are overlooked or even facilitated by those tasked with preventing them. By introducing new leadership within these areas, Kpebu believes that the fight against illegal mining can be reinvigorated, breaking the existing ties and introducing a renewed commitment to upholding the law. This reshuffling, he contends, would disrupt established networks and send a strong signal that impunity will no longer be tolerated.
Kpebu’s recommendation highlights the importance of addressing the potential for corruption within law enforcement agencies. The perceived complicity between police commanders and illegal miners undermines public trust and erodes the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts. A reshuffle of leadership, coupled with robust internal investigations and accountability mechanisms, is essential to restoring public confidence and ensuring that the police force acts as a deterrent to illegal mining activities. This approach, he argues, would create a more conducive environment for effective law enforcement and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the fight against “galamsey”. Implementing these measures, Kpebu believes, will demonstrate a genuine commitment to tackling the issue and pave the way for a more successful campaign against illegal mining.
Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority, offers a different perspective, attributing the persistence of illegal mining to the economic benefits it provides to those involved. He suggests that addressing the root causes of the problem requires providing alternative livelihood opportunities for those engaged in “galamsey”. By offering viable economic alternatives, Tamakloe argues, the incentive to engage in illegal mining can be diminished, making it easier to enforce regulations and protect the environment. This approach, he believes, should be coupled with existing efforts to strengthen law enforcement and reform the mining sector. A comprehensive strategy that addresses both the supply and demand sides of the illegal mining industry, Tamakloe contends, is necessary to achieve lasting success in combating the menace of “galamsey”. This includes not only stricter regulations and enforcement, but also economic development initiatives that provide sustainable income opportunities for communities affected by illegal mining. By addressing the underlying economic drivers, Tamakloe believes that a more sustainable and equitable solution can be achieved.
