The fight against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, in Ghana has been a long-standing challenge, with successive governments grappling with its devastating environmental and socio-economic consequences. Alhaji Mohammed Nasiru, a Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Identification Authority (NIA), has asserted that the John Dramani Mahama administration has implemented more robust measures to combat this menace than previous governments. He argues that within just eight months, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government has initiated programs demonstrating significant improvement in curbing the destructive practice, countering criticisms that the President lacks commitment to resolving the issue.
Nasiru cites several key initiatives as evidence of the government’s intensified efforts. The deployment of Blue Water Guards, specifically trained to combat illegal mining activities, represents a significant step towards on-the-ground enforcement. This dedicated force is tasked with patrolling water bodies and mining areas, apprehending illegal miners, and confiscating their equipment. He further points to the reclamation of degraded forest reserves as a tangible outcome of these efforts. Previously inaccessible areas, controlled by recalcitrant illegal miners, are now being reclaimed by the state, demonstrating a strengthened resolve to enforce environmental regulations and restore damaged ecosystems.
Furthermore, Nasiru emphasizes the ongoing legislative efforts to repeal the LI 2462 (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, 2022. This regulation, while intended to manage mining activities within forest reserves, has been criticized for loopholes that facilitate illegal operations. The move to repeal and replace it with stronger legislation signals a commitment to closing these loopholes and strengthening the legal framework governing mining activities in environmentally sensitive areas. This legislative action, pending parliamentary approval, is expected to bolster enforcement efforts and provide a more robust deterrent against illegal mining in protected zones.
The success of these initiatives, Nasiru argues, depends on collaborative efforts across various sectors. He stresses the importance of community involvement and the role of traditional leaders in supporting the fight against galamsey. Local communities, often directly impacted by the negative consequences of illegal mining, are crucial in providing intelligence and supporting enforcement efforts. Traditional leaders, holding significant influence within their communities, can play a pivotal role in raising awareness, promoting sustainable alternatives to illegal mining, and enforcing local regulations against the practice. Their active participation can significantly contribute to the long-term success of the government’s initiatives.
Critics, however, argue that these measures, while promising, are insufficient to address the deeply entrenched problem of galamsey. They point to the continued prevalence of illegal mining activities in many areas as evidence of a gap between policy and implementation. Concerns have been raised about the capacity of the Blue Water Guards to effectively patrol the vast expanse of affected areas, as well as the challenges in securing convictions against illegal miners. The repeal of LI 2462, while seen as a positive step, is also viewed as a lengthy process, with the risk that illegal mining activities may continue unabated during the interim period.
The effectiveness of the government’s approach also hinges on addressing the underlying socio-economic factors driving individuals towards illegal mining. Poverty, unemployment, and limited access to alternative livelihood opportunities often push people into this dangerous and destructive practice. Critics argue that without addressing these root causes, the fight against galamsey will remain an uphill battle. Sustainable development initiatives, coupled with educational programs promoting responsible mining practices and alternative income-generating activities, are essential to achieving long-term success. The government’s efforts must go beyond enforcement and encompass comprehensive strategies that address the complex social and economic dynamics fueling illegal mining. This integrated approach, combining robust enforcement, legislative reforms, community engagement, and socio-economic interventions, is crucial for achieving sustainable and impactful results in the fight against galamsey.
