The ongoing debate surrounding the most effective approach to combat illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, in Ghana has intensified. Alhassan Suhuyini, Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways, has emerged as a vocal defender of President John Dramani Mahama’s strategy, contrasting it with the previous administration’s methods. Suhuyini argues that the hardline stance adopted by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, which included putting his presidency on the line and imposing a two-year ban on small-scale mining, ultimately proved ineffective. He contends that despite the strong rhetoric and decisive actions, the desired results were not achieved, leaving the galamsey problem largely unresolved.
Suhuyini highlights the Mahama administration’s preference for a more structured and process-oriented approach. This involves a series of measures designed to regulate the mining sector and curb illegal activities. These include suspending the issuance of new mining licenses, a move aimed at preventing further expansion of unregulated mining operations. Additionally, the government is implementing a system for tracking and registering excavators, a key piece of equipment used in both legal and illegal mining. This tracking system is intended to enhance monitoring and accountability, making it more difficult for illegal operators to utilize excavators undetected.
A crucial element of the Mahama administration’s strategy is the establishment of the Ghana Gold Board. This institution is tasked with overseeing and monitoring gold sales, a critical step in tackling the financial flows associated with illegal mining. By regulating the gold trade, the government aims to disrupt the illicit channels through which galamsey operators profit from their activities. This measure is intended to make illegal mining less financially viable and discourage its continuation. Furthermore, the government is promoting cooperative mining, a model that encourages smaller-scale miners to operate within a regulated framework, offering them a pathway to legitimacy and reducing their reliance on illegal practices.
Suhuyini acknowledges that President Mahama’s approach may not be characterized by grand pronouncements or dramatic gestures. However, he emphasizes the importance of focusing on the underlying processes and structures being put in place. He believes that these systematic changes, though less visible than previous headline-grabbing initiatives, will ultimately yield more sustainable and effective results. He urges patience and support for the ongoing efforts, arguing that a long-term perspective is crucial to successfully addressing the complex challenge of galamsey.
The contrasting approaches of the Mahama and Akufo-Addo administrations reflect a fundamental difference in philosophy regarding environmental regulation and resource management. Akufo-Addo’s approach was characterized by a top-down, enforcement-driven strategy, emphasizing strong penalties and decisive action. In contrast, the Mahama administration’s approach prioritizes establishing robust regulatory frameworks, promoting transparency, and fostering collaboration within the mining sector. This reflects a belief in the importance of addressing the root causes of illegal mining, rather than solely focusing on punitive measures.
The efficacy of these contrasting approaches remains to be seen. While the Akufo-Addo administration’s hardline stance failed to eradicate galamsey, it’s too early to definitively assess the long-term impact of the Mahama administration’s more nuanced strategy. The success of the current approach hinges on effective implementation of the proposed measures, consistent monitoring, and sustained political will. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the Ghana Gold Board in curbing illicit gold sales will be a critical factor in determining the overall success of the government’s efforts. The ongoing debate underscores the complexity of the galamsey problem and the need for a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to address it.
