Media and Communications Consultant, Nana Sifa Twum has called for a fundamental shift in how African governments confront illegal mining, insisting that crackdowns and military-style operations alone cannot resolve the crisis. According to him, what is urgently needed is a deliberate, well-structured strategic communication framework that places citizens at the heart of the solution.
“Strategic communication is not an accessory to enforcement; it is a central governance instrument in addressing illegal mining,” Dr. Sifa Twum stated, urging governments across the continent to move beyond reactive measures. He encouraged African states battling illicit mining and other underground economic activities to work closely with communication experts to design comprehensive strategies capable of delivering sustainable behavioral change.
Dr. Sifa Twum made these remarks at the 4th Global Media, Communication and Film Conference held in London. The international gathering, which convenes scholars, diplomats and industry leaders, examined how media and communication disciplines can respond to complex global challenges ranging from climate change messaging to digital ethics. He was one of only two African speakers at the event, alongside Moroccan diplomat Karima Kartite.
Addressing an audience of global media practitioners and academics, Dr. Sifa Twum argued that environmental governance succeeds only when citizens see themselves as partners rather than targets of policy directives. He stressed that governments must cultivate a shared national narrative around environmental protection, one that fosters trust, ownership and collective responsibility.
Drawing from his research on illegal mining in Ghana, popularly known as galamsey, he described the phenomenon as a complex socio-environmental governance crisis. Beyond deforestation and polluted rivers, he said, illegal mining weakens public health systems, disrupts local economies and erodes confidence in state institutions.
A facilitator at the Institute of Public Relations (Ghana) and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Ghana News Agency, Dr. Sifa Twum noted that previous anti-illegal mining campaigns have often been undermined by communication failures. Inconsistent messaging, politicisation of the issue and limited community engagement, he explained, have diminished public trust and reduced grassroots participation.
He observed that Africa’s communication environment is shaped by distinctive dynamics, including traditional leadership structures, faith-based influence, strong interpersonal networks and the growing power of social media activism. In many rural communities, traditional rulers, local radio broadcasters and opinion leaders command greater credibility than state authorities. Therefore, he argued, governance communication strategies must be culturally sensitive, inclusive and multi-layered to resonate effectively.
Dr. Sifa Twum further explained that public attitudes toward illegal mining are shaped by powerful narratives ranging from stories of economic survival driven by poverty to perceptions of political double standards. Addressing these competing narratives, he said, is essential for any policy to succeed.
To bridge what he described as a governance gap, he proposed a four-pillar model:
Transparency and consistency in official messaging
Community-centred storytelling; strengthened media accountability and
Sustained multi-stakeholder dialogue.
Governments, he suggested, should publish clear policy objectives and provide regular progress updates, while also engaging local communities through culturally relevant communication approaches.
He also underscored the importance of investigative journalism and ethical reporting, cautioning against simplistic portrayals that demonise miners without examining the systemic drivers of the practice. Continuous dialogue platforms involving government agencies, traditional authorities and civil society groups, he added, are vital for building durable solutions.
“The persistence of illegal mining signals deeper governance challenges,” Dr. Sifa Twum remarked. He maintained that enforcement alone cannot resolve the problem unless it is complemented by strategic communication that rebuilds trust, strengthens participation and inspires behavioural change.
By situating illegal mining within the broader framework of socio-environmental governance, he called for a transition from force-led interventions to participatory and transparent communication systems that empower communities to become active stewards of their environment.
Media and communications consultant Dr. Nana Sifa Twum also added that communication is not merely about disseminating information, it is a transformative governance tool capable of reshaping public narratives and fostering sustainable environmental practices across Africa.
Story by Freedom Etsey Lavoe/ahotoronline.com