The issue of illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as galamsey, is one of the most pressing socio-environmental challenges facing Ghana today.
Over the past eight years, under former President Akufo-Addo, this galamsey problem has evolved into a more destructive form I termed High-Tech Galamsey (HTG). Despite efforts to combat it, the fight against galamsey has been largely unsuccessful, leading to severe pollution of our rivers and the destruction of forest reserves.
Several factors contributed to the failure of the galamsey fight under the previous administration under former President Akufo-Addo:
1. Influence of ‘Presidential Galamseyers’: As revealed in Prof. Frimpong-Boateng’s report in 2019, some individuals close to the former president were involved in galamsey activities.
2. Uncoordinated Military Campaigns: Efforts to combat galamsey were poorly coordinated between the military and local leaders, leading to the confrontation of the Military and some community members, which resulted in the death of Major Mahama in Denkyira Obuasi.
3. Appointees’ Involvement: Some government officials who were directly involved in the galamsey business were also mentioned in the media space and former President Akudo-Addo did not take swift action against his appointees.
4. Ineffective Oversight: The Minerals Commission (MC) failed to properly inspect mining activities on the ground. The use of prospecting licenses to do actual mining at the blind side of the MC showed that there has not been effective oversight on the ground.
5. Lack of Sincerity: Despite former President Akufo-Addo’s public commitment to fighting galamsey, his government’s actions did not match its promises. This was hugely unfortunate, to say the least.
The result has been catastrophic: our rivers are polluted, forests are destroyed, and the environment is in crisis. Calls from civil society organizations and concerned citizens for stronger action were ignored. Now, under President Mahama’s new administration, there is renewed hope.
The government has taken several positive steps to address the HTG menace, namely:
1. Banning the Ineffective Community Mining Scheme: This scheme was often a cover for illegal mining activities.
2. Strict Instructions to Appointees: President Mahama has warned all government officials against engaging in any form of mining business.
3. Reviewing Mining Licenses: A multi-sectoral Technical Committee has been formed to review and revoke problematic mining licenses. So far, 55 licenses have been revoked, and there are discussions to amend or repeal the LI 2462 regulation.
4. Environmental Initiatives: The government has launched the ‘Tree for Life’ and ‘Blue Water’ initiatives to restore forests and protect water bodies.
While these measures are commendable, more needs to be done. Declaring a state of emergency in mining areas and maintaining political will are crucial to winning this fight.
I am optimistic that the Mahama-Opoku-Agyemang administration will succeed where the previous government failed. However, the new administration is already facing resistance from miners and other groups who want to continue their illegal activities.
The fight against galamsey is not just the government’s responsibility—it requires the support of all Ghanaians. We must expose any saboteurs, whether within or outside the NDC fraternity, who try to undermine President Mahama’s efforts.
The consequences of HTG are too severe to ignore. If we do not act now, the damage to our environment will be irreversible. It is in the interest of all Ghanaians, especially the NDC, to support President Mahama in leaving a legacy of environmental protection and sustainable development.
Let us all join hands in this fight. Corruption and evil thrive in darkness, so let us shine a light on those who seek to sabotage our progress. Together, we can win the battle against the HTG menace and secure a better future for Ghana.
