Former Senior Presidential Aide and Head of the Policy Evaluation and Oversight Unit under the erstwhile administration of the late President John Evans Atta Mills, Dr. Tony Aidoo has voiced serious concerns about the current approach to combating illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, describing existing efforts as insufficient. In a recent interview with Citizen Kofi Owusu on Ahotor FM, Dr. Aidoo highlighted the urgent need for a more robust and coordinated crackdown to address the rampant environmental destruction caused by galamsey activities.
Dr. Aidoo explained that the ongoing galamsey operations continue to wreak havoc on the environment and have reached alarming levels. He recounted having discussed the issue personally with President John Mahama. During these conversations, Dr. Aidoo urged that the military, particularly troops stationed at Baracks, should be engaged more decisively. According to him, the soldiers were not deployed for merely ceremonial duties but rather to actively combat the illegal miners.
He proposed that at least one thousand soldiers be mobilized and deployed simultaneously to high-priority galamsey hotspots. Instead of sending units in batches or on piecemeal operations stretching over weeks, Dr. Aidoo emphasized the need for a swift, large-scale military presence that would displace the galamsey operators effectively and in one coordinated effort.
Moreover, Dr. Aidoo suggested that after the main force had driven out the illegal miners, a smaller, dedicated group of about 25 to 30 personnel should remain on site to maintain a continuous presence. However, he recommended that these soldiers not stay in one area for more than two weeks to avoid complacency and ensure effective monitoring.
Through this strategic and disciplined approach, Dr. Aidoo believes Ghana could significantly reduce the environmental damage caused by galamsey and restore order to affected regions. His call underscores the importance of a more aggressive and systematic method in addressing one of the country’s most pressing environmental and social challenges.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com