Dr. Ishmael Quaicoe, UMaT lecturer
Dr. Ishmael Quaicoe, a lecturer at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), has raised critical questions about the role of security forces and the unintentional neglect of chiefs in the fight against illegal mining, while also highlighting corporate responsibilities and new strategies.
He spoke during a recent workshop on Responsible Mining and Environmental Security, held in Obuasi for selected pro-mining representatives.
While primarily discussing the dangers of mercury use, Dr. Quaicoe also addressed broader systemic issues impacting the effectiveness of efforts to curb illegal mining.
Dr. Quaicoe questioned the effectiveness of security forces assigned to combat illegal mining, despite the resources allocated to them.
“It’s a bit worrying when our security officers are given the task of addressing illegalities, and despite all the resources provided, we still have this issue around. If our security officers are not able to address illegal mining, how will they be able to address external threats to our country?” he asked.
He emphasised his belief in the competence of Ghanaian security forces, citing their success in international peacekeeping missions, but expressed confusion over their lack of success in tackling illegal mining.
Dr. Quaicoe also argued that chiefs, as traditional custodians of the land, have been unintentionally neglected in the fight against illegal mining.
He stated that the current legal framework regarding licensing does not adequately involve chiefs, despite their potential to play a vital role.
“Sometimes, I feel they have been unintentionally neglected in the fight against galamsey,” Dr. Quaicoe said. “We need to include our chiefs in the licensing procedure. They are the custodians of their lands, waters, and environment. If they are neglected, it becomes difficult to have them on board.”
Dr. Quaicoe also called for a new, hybrid strategy to address the challenge, involving the government, stakeholders, and miners themselves.
Believing in the success of the fight, Dr. Quaicoe has advocated for a miner-centric approach, where policies are developed from the miners’ perspectives and then refined in collaboration with the government.
He believes this approach would lead to more effective and sustainable solutions.
