Efforts by successive governments to combat illegal mining, known locally as “galamsey,” and to protect forests, the environment, and river bodies while promoting sustainable mining practices have largely failed due to a lack of political will.
The issue is compounded by political patronage and the significant financial gains enjoyed by individuals with connections to the government, which have contributed to the ongoing environmental destruction.
Richard Ellimah the former, Executive Director of the Centre for Social Impact Services and a mining consultant, shared these concerns during an interview on Adekyee Mu Nsem’s morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM, hosted by Nana Dogbey in Accra. Ellimah criticized the involvement of military and intelligence agencies in the fight against illegal mining, arguing that their approach has been ineffective in achieving sustainable mining practices.
He emphasized the need for effective and structured regulatory measures combined with genuine political will to address the illegal mining crisis, which has caused severe economic damage to our ecology and ecosystem. Ellimah noted that mining is capital-intensive and many youths involved in these activities lack financial stability. He also highlighted that high-level political figures, who benefit financially from illegal mining, are part of a powerful cartel that is difficult to challenge due to the substantial profits involved.
In a related development, the Youth in Natural Resources and Environmental Governance (Youth-NREG) Platform has joined the call for a ban on all illegal mining activities. In a statement issued on Monday, September 16, Youth-NREG urged the government to “cancel all prospective mining contracts and/or licenses” until a solution to the galamsey issue is found.
The group condemned the destructive impact of galamsey, stating that “irresponsible mining is not only an environmental issue but also a matter of justice, affecting the right to a clean environment and the health of present and future generations.”
Additionally, Channel One TV and Citi FM will launch a campaign titled ‘I Stand Against Galamsey’ on Monday, September 16. The campaign aims to urge the government to take decisive and sustainable action against illegal mining activities that are harming the environment and polluting water bodies.
The campaign’s goal is to amplify the voices of various associations, organizations, and unions calling for an end to illegal mining. Youth-NREG also called on all Ghanaian youth to support and actively contribute to initiatives that will restore and protect the nation’s ecosystem.
Story by: Alexander Kukah
