Michael Kwadwo Peprah, President of the National Concerned Small Scale Miners Association, has strongly emphasized the need for comprehensive stakeholder engagement to address ongoing conflicts related to galamsey activities. In light of the recent attack on officials of the National Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (NAIMOS) in Hwidiem, Peprah has called on the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources to initiate dialogue sessions with small-scale miners in key mining communities such as Tarkwa, Prestea, Bogoso, Kenyase, Konongo, Obuasi, and Dunkwa. He believes that these engagements would clarify the role and authority of NAIMOS, dispelling the widespread misconception that the committee is antagonistic towards small-scale miners.
Peprah underlines that the success of NAIMOS’ operations depends largely on creating a platform for open communication where miners’ concerns are acknowledged and addressed. Without such dialogue, tensions and misunderstandings continue to escalate, leading to unnecessary confrontations like the recent attacks. By bringing stakeholders together, not only would it foster mutual respect and understanding, but it would also ensure that enforcement measures are carried out with the miners’ cooperation rather than resistance.
The President further stresses that the government must recognize the human aspect of the situation. Since small-scale mining activities provide livelihoods for many communities, a purely enforcement-based approach without engagement risks alienating the very people whose cooperation is necessary for meaningful progress. Meaningful discussions, in his view, are the only way to bridge the gap between government agencies like NAIMOS and small-scale miners, paving the way for peaceful coexistence and sustainable mining practices.
Peprah appealed that peace in the galamsey wars can only be achieved through dialogue and partnership. Stakeholder engagement will help clarify NAIMOS’ intentions, prevent future violence, and contribute to a more coordinated approach in tackling illegal mining in Ghana. The call made here is a reminder that solutions to complex social conflicts demand inclusive processes respecting all parties involved.
Source: Ohemaa Adusi-Poku